uThukela District Municipality has once again helped learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to claim their right to education through the municipality’s annual Bursary Programme.
A total number of 51 new applicants and 24 returning learners from across the district were awarded bursaries to the tune of R1 million during an event held at the uThukela District Boardroom on Wednesday last week (January 24).
The event was hosted by uThukela District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko, Deputy Mayor NW Sibiya and Alfred Duma Mayor Vincent Madlala on behalf of the municipality. Mayor Madlala quoted the first democratic president of the country, Dr Nelson Mandela, who once said: “Education is the most powerful tool one can use to change the world”.
“This quote from Madiba always resonates in my mind when I think of the challenges this country faces and the possible solutions around us. I have chosen to emphasise these powerful words by our struggle icon to highlight the importance of education in nation-building,” Mayor Madlala explained to the audience.
He told the learners to always remember where they come from.
Delivering the keynote address, Mayor Mazibuko said that although the municipality’s core function is the provision of water and sanitation services, it has extended its scope of operation and taken a great interest in education, thus awarding bursaries to deserving learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“The inception of this programme came about through the identification of needs to financially assist deserving learners to further their education and become professionals that can build our district. Through this programme, we put emphasis on the importance of local government playing a pivotal role towards building a strong local graduate professional base by providing much-needed assistance to learners,” said the uThukela mayor.
He said we can achieve this through ensuring that education remains at the apex of our priorities in moving the district forward.
In her closing remarks, the deputy mayor encouraged the learners to always show respect and also urged them to pay attention to their studies. She wished the beneficiaries well in their endeavours and emphasised the fact that the municipality will monitor their progress on a regular basis.
The bursary fund aims to ensure development, with specific emphasis on the youth of the district.
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