September 2022.

Twelve students from communities within the Witzenberg area are direct recipients of a localised scholarship programme, funded by the area’s wind farm which aims to stimulate social change.

The programme, which currently funds a total of nine students, has awarded bursaries to seven new recipients from this area, for the 2022 academic year. The Perdekraal East Wind Farm Scholarship Programme offers local community members wanting to pursue higher education the opportunity to study at recognized universities and earn accredited bachelor’s degrees.

“Education brings social change both to the individual and the community at large. Making funding available to youth in these communities will have a ripple effect as they, in turn, uplift their community,” said Jo-Anne Brown, Economic Development Manager at Perdekraal East Wind Farm, which funds this programme as part of its socio-economic development initiative.

In addition to providing full financial support, the programme provides beneficiaries with mentorship and career development support to help them succeed in their chosen careers.

Phumzile Mkhosi, who is a second-year law student at the University of Pretoria, and currently pursuing an LLB degree, says the funding has made a huge difference in her life.

“Since I don’t have a mother and my father is unemployed, I don’t receive any financial support from my parents. Having the bursary has alleviated my need for financial assistance and it has helped me fit in very well with other students, which means the world to me. Thanks to the allowance I get from the bursary, I am able to take care of all my needs without any help from my siblings,” expressed Phumzile.

The other two new bursary recipients include Ami Ludick, who is studying Business and Information Administration at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology; as well as Shanidine Bezuidenhout, who is pursuing a BCom in Management Science at Stellenbosch University.

“The selected students demonstrated a strong understanding of their career choices and how they aligned with their goals. The new recipients show an eagerness to learn, and a willingness to persevere through challenges,” added Brown.

The scholarship criteria stipulate that the applicants must reside within the Witzenberg Municipality, in the Western Cape; be studying any full-time degree or diploma; be currently enrolled at a public or private accredited institution in South Africa; and be pursuing their first qualification, excluding postgraduate and honours. Preference is given to previously disadvantaged students. Bursary applications for 2023 will be open towards the end of the year.