They were the beneficiaries of the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Programme and graduated in different disciplines.
The welcoming function was hosted at the Harry Gwala Multipurpose Centre on September 16.
The premier was accompanied by the MECs, Executive Mayor of Metsimaholo, Councillor Lindiwe Tshongwe and her MMCs.
Premier Sefora Sesi Ntombela said education has been identified as one of the priorities to demonstrate the commitment of government to the deserving students, by placing them in the different institutions of higher learning abroad.
Oenology student, and Sphumelisiwe Shabalala, an Agronomy student, at multipurpose centre Zamdela. Photos: Lazarus Dithagiso
After more than five years of hard work, they returned home as graduates.
She said 10 students studied Medicine in Turkey, 2 studied Informatics in Belarus and several studied Agriculture in Portugal. There are also several undergraduate students and four Masters students.
“Now the ball is in your court and it’s time to deliver what the community is expecting from you,” she said.
The MEC for Education, Tate Makgwe said government is proud to announced that it has spent over R300 million per year for more than five years as bursary sponsors for the students.
