Free university application help for eMalahleni youth
Volunteers will be stationed at five local centres, where they will assist young people with university applications.
SpeechCraft Academy Foundation (SCAF), in partnership with various organisations in eMalahleni, will dedicate time and resources to assisting learners with university applications on July 17 and 18 for Mandela Day.
According to SCAF secretary Siphokazi Ndlovu, this third annual tertiary application drive will help not only current matriculants, but also those from previous years who lacked the proper resources and information to apply.
“Many learners miss opportunities simply because they don’t have access to information, technology or someone to assist them,” Ndlovu said. “As a youth development organisation, we wanted to go beyond encouraging them to apply for university; we wanted to be there to guide them through the process.”
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The initiative operated from a single station in 2024, but with the support received, it will expand to five stations this year: Coronation, Elukhanyisweni, Kopanang, T.P. Sililo, and Zacheus Malaza secondary schools.
Young people from other schools and other areas are welcome to visit the stations for assistance.
During the two days, learners will be assisted with completing applications to at least three universities, with a focus on institutions that do not charge application fees, as well as Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Stations will operate between 09:00 and 15:00.
Interested learners are required to decide on three courses they qualify for and must bring:
• Certified copies of their ID
• Parent or guardian’s ID
• Grade 11 final results
• Grade 12 mid-year results.
Not only will learners be assisted with applications, but Ndlovu said the foundation will also help them explore possible funding opportunities.
Follow-up support will also be available after the application drive.
The non-profit organisation’s work has been succeeding through partnerships with various organisations.
This year, they have partnered with TUT eMalahleni Campus, Youth of Emalahleni Interfellowship, Bluedot Properties and Ezweni Youth Centre.
SCAF welcomes other organisations and volunteers that may be interested in contributing to the programme to come forward.
“By partnering with us, organisations and businesses become part of an initiative that is transforming lives through education, while demonstrating their commitment to youth development and community upliftment,” Ndlovu said.“We encourage all Grade 12 learners and matriculants, who have not yet applied, to take advantage of this free opportunity. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for changing lives, and we want to ensure that no learner is left behind because they lack guidance or support.”
For more information, contact Ndlovu on 081 796 0771.
17-year-old Sbusiso Malaza launches charity foundation to support vulnerable children in eMalahleni.
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) July 12, 2026
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