GrandWest bursary scheme funds the disadvantaged
GRANDWEST Casino, through its bursary fund, has given almost R22million in bursaries since 2007, changing the lives of 1427 students.
The bursary recipients from the class of 2020 came from areas rife with socio-economic issues, including Samora Machel, Pelican Park, Montana, Gansbaai, Strand, Khayelitsha, Philippi, Durbanville, Loevenstein, Phoenix, Malmesbury, Nyanga, Bellville, and Kensington.
GrandWest general manager Mervyn Naidoo said they funded disadvantaged students who did not have the financial means to study full-time.
“Bursaries are awarded to address scarce and future skill requirements in South Africa broadly, as well as with specific focus on the hospitality sector.”
Education MEC Debbie Schäfer congratulated the 2020 bursary recipients on their drive to achieve their dreams despite the challenging year.
“This shows true resilience, which will stand you in good stead in the future,” she said.
Bursary recipient Ncebakazi Maranga, from Khayelitsha, will study towards an Advanced Diploma in Construction Health and Safety at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
“When you are from a disadvantaged background and a first-generation university student in your family like myself, you face so many adversities along the way, and one of them is financial support towards your studies. Being a GrandWest Bursary recipient enabled me to focus on my studies without being worried about my financial circumstances,” Maranga said.
Another recipient of a GrandWest bursary, Naledi Seatle, from Blue Downs, is now studying towards a Master’s Degree in Chemistry at CPUT.
“Awarding me with the bursary from my first year in undergrad up till my first year of postgraduate studies, has alleviated my financial burden.
“The loving kindness of GrandWest has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope to assist other students in achieving their goals, just as they did for me,” said Seatle.
GrandWest awards bursaries in fields of study such as geology, environmental and water science, biodiversity and conservation biology, accounting, mechanical engineering, construction health and safety, as well as chemistry.