Several matriculants from Soshanguve South High School and Rakgotso Secondary School received bursaries from the Department of Public Works at the St George Hotel in Irene last Thursday. A total of 50 matriculants from disadvantaged areas across South Africa were awarded bursaries to attend some of the top universities in the country.
George Molomo, who matriculated from Rakgotso Secondary School in Hammanskraal last year, was one of the privileged learners who received a bursary.
Molomo, who received a total of five distinctions, is set to study towards a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Pretoria. His love for working with machines and mechanical elements determined his choice. “I want to make a difference in the world,” said Molomo.
Virginia Mbule, a pupil representing those nominated, gave a speech and thanked everyone involved for the opportunity. The aim of the programme is to further a generation of young professionals in various fields of study in order to contribute to the Department of Public Works once they are qualified.
The minister of Public Works, Thembelani Nxesi, addressed the learners regarding their future and responsibilities as qualified South Africans. “You have been given an opportunity, it is up to you to make the best of it,” said Nxesi.
Nxesi promised that the students in this programme would not only receive financial support, but also academic, spiritual and psychological support throughout their studies.
