Mathulini students receive bursaries
The bursaries were presented by the Mathulini Communal Property Association (CPA) in conjunction with the Hibberdene Management Group (HMG), at a ceremony held at the Blue Marlin Hotel recently.
FOUR youngsters from the Umthwalume area under the Mathulini tribal authority were each awarded a four-year bursary for their tertiary education.
The bursaries were presented by the Mathulini Communal Property Association (CPA) in conjunction with the Hibberdene Management Group (HMG), at a ceremony held at the Blue Marlin Hotel recently.
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After lengthy interviews and tests, bursaries were awarded to:
Sphindile Mnyadi (biological sciences); Nondumiso Mbhele (mechanical engineering); Mhlengi Shozi (agricultural communications) and Mluleki Luthuli (mechanical engineering).
Originally, the bursaries were confined to Western Agricultural College Students who went on to study at the Durban University of Technology, Saasveld Forestry College or enrolled for various other sugar/agricultural courses.
“Over the years we have realised that this restricted bursaries to male beneficiaries only and that we had an over-supply of trainee agricultural managers,” said Errol Koekemoer, administrator of HMG.
“We needed to diversify the training as admin, IT, mechanical and other skills are also relevant on farms.”
At the ceremony, the interview observer, Thobeka Sibiya had some words of advice for the students.
“Do not waste this opportunity or take it for granted. Don’t attend parties and neglect your studies. Once you’re done and have achieved your goals, then you can party as much as you want!”
The bursaries cover tuition fees, books, transport and pocket money.
“With this assistance, we expect them to complete their studies with no distractions,” said Sandile Dlamini of the Mathulini CPA.
One of the first recipients, Thabani Khoso, was awarded his bursary while in Grade 10.
He used this to finish high school and to fund part of his tertiary education.
After completing his studies, he was appointed trainee manager on one of the Kembali farms.
This association has not only helped students students, but has also built and donated 10 houses to indigent members of the community who lost their homes during the floods last year.
The CPA also holds title to the land on behalf of the beneficiaries, performs administrative functions and looks at the developmental needs of land beneficiaries.
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