Matrics can now apply for Sasol bursary
With a little help from Sasol, Nomathemba Kgorane rose above her circumstances to become an engineer.
Thanks to a bursary from Sasol, Nomathemba Kgorane is a principal specialist in business development and partnerships today.
Until she was 14 years old and while orphaned, Kgorane was raised by a mother who instilled in her the importance of education and self-reliance.
She was born in Ermelo, raised in Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, and faced many challenges growing up.
After finishing school, Kgorane studied at the University of Cape Town and earned her BSc (Bachelor of Science) in chemical engineering.
She subsequently obtained an MSc (Master of Sciences) in the same field and a certificate in digital business from the University of Witwatersrand.
Her roles at Sasol are managing opportunities for market and supply chain business development and overseeing partnerships supporting Sasol’s decarbonisation strategy.
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She described her journey to date as a story of resilience and determination, driven by a passion for success and independence.
According to StatsSA, 51% of youth between 18 and 24 do not have the financial means to pay for tertiary studies.
As part of this group, Kgorane knew she needed a bursary to complete a degree and get on the road to success.
She discovered there were more bursary opportunities for degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) than in most fields. A science bursary was the perfect fit because Kgorane was interested in mathematics and science in high school.
She applied and secured a place in the Sasol bursary programme, enabling her to fulfil her ambition.
“All I had to do was pass to get my tuition, accommodation, books and allowance paid for,” said Kgorane.
“What was most important was that I could complete the degree without incurring any debt.”
Matebello Motloung, the Sasol manager of group media relations, said as a Sasol bursar, Kgorane gained first-hand experience and a broad range of work opportunities before completing her degree.
“Each year, she worked at the Secunda operation site in Mpumalanga under the guidance of seasoned engineers.
“The experienced she gained there reaffirmed her decision to pursue chemical engineering and provided her invaluable practical insights into the field,” said Motloung.
Kgorane’s advice to those who wish to follow in her footsteps was to understand the various branches of engineering to make informed career choices based on their strengths and passions.
“If there is an opportunity to shadow or be mentored by an engineer, grab it,” she said, underlining the importance of hands-on experience.
She also said the gender stereotypes that associated STEM with masculinity, male-dominated work cultures, and a lack of female role models contributed to the disparity and were why women were underrepresented in STEM.
“We need to change the narrative that maths and science are difficult, as well as a lingering idea that men are better suited to some jobs than women,” she said.
Monica Luwes, the manager of the Graduate Centre at Sasol Corporate Bursary Services, said South Africa had made great strides toward more equitable gender representation in STEM over the past decade.
“There has never been a better time for young women to consider a career in STEM-related fields than now,” said Luwes.
“That is the case, especially with the skills shortage in STEM in South Africa. Sasol is passionate about breaking down barriers and making it possible for more girls to study STEM.
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“One way we do our part to shape and educate South Africans is through our corporate bursary programme.
“We are creating pathways into STEM for young South Africans, including underrepresented groups, such as women.”
Sasol is seeking high-achieving Grade 12 learners passionate about STEM to apply for its all-inclusive undergraduate bursary.
Applicants must obtain at least 70% for mathematics and science and 60% for English for consideration for an undergraduate bursary.
To apply for the bursary, visit www.sasolbursaries.com.
