Bursaries for young farmers
Rural development in study aid outreach to youth
THE rural development and agrarian reform department (DRDAR) has called on young people who have passed matric, are interested in agriculture-related studies and are from previously disadvantaged families to apply for bursaries from the department.
MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane said the department was calling on those who want to study towards diplomas or degrees in Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), BSc Agriculture engineering, National Diploma in Veterinary technology (Registrable with Council), BSc Agriculture (Entomology) and BSc Agriculture (plant pathology) to apply.
Qoboshiyane said special preference would be given to previously disadvantaged applicants. Each bursary applicant has to show proof of admission or provisional admission to a tertiary institution, attach copies of affidavits on family financial sta- tus, parent or guardian’s identity document, applicant’s identity document, ID size photo, results or certificate and indicate if they are sponsored by any other agency.
“We must stress that all applicants for these bursaries must be prepared to work in our department after completing their studies as part of their contractual obligation. All applications must be forwarded to our department and applicants and their families can contact our department officials,” he said. Simphiwe Funani or Lillian Mqedazwe can be contacted on (040) 609-5260 or (040) 639-1077 or simphiwe.funani@drdar.gov.za The closing date for applications is January 20.
“I appeal to anyone who knows people who are interested in studying agriculture and who don’t have money to study further to apply for these bursaries. As government we are using these bursaries to empower the youth, especially those from families without resources for tertiary education. Our bursary pays for everything including books, accommodation and university fees,” Qoboshiyane said.
He said last year DRDAR invested about R3-million in bursaries, giving about 20 students from rural, urban and township communities of the Eastern Cape the chance of a lifetime. Application forms are available on the website: www.drdar.gov.za and anyone who wants to apply can ask for them to be emailed to them.