Minister Pandor announces 100 bursaries for learners from O.R.Tambo District

Hundred learners from the O.R. Tambo District in Eastern Cape, where the Department of Higher Education and Training, hosted an annual Mandela Day Career Development Festival, are the recipients of full cost bursaries to study at an institution of their choice.

The bursaries are meant to assist learners from Quintile One to Three schools within the District who wish to pursue skills in high demand.  They are chosen in consultation with the schools and the District and must be high grade 12 achievers in the 2018.

The Festival was held at the Mandela School of Science and Technology at Mvezo in Umtata.

The Mandela Day Career Development Festival provides high school learners from surrounding rural areas the opportunity to interact with and get career guidance and information on career construction and decisions, Post-School Education and Training (PSET) study opportunities, and funding for studies.

Special emphasis is given to apprenticeships, learnerships and studies at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.  Local institutions of higher learning and training, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and industry professionals

A total of 3 197 Grade 11 and 12 learners from 10 schools will participate in the festival over a period of three days.

Minister Pandor used the opportunity to encourage the learners to apply on time for a space in institutions of higher learning and training.

“So I say to all grade 12 learners, apply now. Apply for a place in a university. Apply for a place in a college. Take an opportunity. Reach for a dream. Do it for Mandela,” Minister Pandor said.

Repeating what the Freedom Charter says, Minister Pandor said education was the most important and effective form of socio-economic development.  It is the only way of ensuring that we all enjoy the freedom and democracy that is envisaged in the Charter.

Minister said, the department has recently launched an initiative that prioritises the teaching of 13 trade occupations at TVET colleges, called the Centres of Specialisation Programme.  The programme is designed to address the growing demand for trades that are needed for the successful implementation of the country’s National Development Plan in general, as well as the National Infrastructure Plan in particular.

“By focusing on the 13 trades in high demand, not only will the strategic projects of the government be constructed and maintained using highly skilled local artisans, but also this will simultaneously contribute to job creation and poverty alleviation in the country.” Minister Pandor added.

Issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Training