MEYERTON – The Midvaal Local Municipality has increased the Mayoral Student Financial Aid Programme to more than R1.1 million for the 2026 academic year.

As a result of the increased budget, Midvaal will assist at least 44 learners with financial support for the 2026 academic year, up from 37 in the previous year.

The initial budget was R750 000, but due to the growing demand, the Municipality proposed an additional R305 000 as part of the Adjusted Capital and Operating Budgets for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The adjustment of the Mayoral Student Financial Aid was approved during the second Ordinary Council meeting.

Nedbank contributed R50 000 to the fund, increasing the total budget for the Mayoral Student Financial Aid Programme to R1 105 000.

Midvaal Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Peter Teixeira says this increase ensures that more deserving young people are given the opportunity to further their education and invest in their futures.

Since its inception in 2024, the Mayoral Student Financial Aid Fund has disbursed more than R2.6 million in funding, benefiting at least 101 students and supporting them on their academic journeys.