Meet some of the 2018 SEIFSA Bursars
The selection criteria
Commenting on the selection criteria for both bursaries , Ms Mulholland says the scholarships are based on quality academic standards . However , preference is given to employees who work for companies that are federated to SEIFSA or to their dependants who wish to pursue artisanship or studies in engineering at registered South African institutions of higher learning .
Pitso Taele
Thokozile Letty Mtshweni
“ Bursaries are made available to develop priority skills , with special emphasis on scarce and critical skills within the metals and engineering sector ,” she says .
In order to be eligible for a SEIFSA bursary to study at a South African university or university of technology , applicants must fulfil the following minimum criteria : 1 . Must be in possession of a national Grade 12 Certificate or similar , allowing them access to the applicable institution ;
2 . Must have a minimum of 70 % in both Maths and Physical Science ;
3 . The individual must not have received any other / further bursary for costs covered by the SEIFSA bursary ;
4 . Must be a South African citizen younger than 35 years ;
5 . Proof that the gross household income is not more than R200k a year ; and
6 . Proof that they are registered with a university or university of technology .
Ms Mulholland says that the SEIFSA bursary scheme is also used as a vehicle aimed at advancing transformation in the industry by being biased towards previously-disadvantages individuals such as females and black Africans . This year , SEIFSA has , once again , awarded brilliant students with bursaries for the current academic year .
Pitso was awarded a SEIFSA bursary in 2015 towards the completion of his National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering . He has since successfully completed his National Diploma in 2017 and is currently continuing with his B . Tech in Mechanical Engineering for the 2018 academic year . From the tender age of 15 , Pitso , started to attend university “ open days ” around Cape Town , resulting in his certainty to follow Engineering as a career once he matriculated . He was also deeply motivated by his brother , who was pursuing a career in Mechanical Engineering , giving him an honest insight to the pros and cons of the Industry .
Pitso developed an interest in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering , wanting to study Electro- Mechanical Engineering . However , with belowaverage NBT scores , he was unable to pursue his first choice . When it came down to it , he chose Mechanical Engineering as it sparked a greater interest in him and proved that it has more branches to explore .
Pitso has proved to be a dedicated student by achieving superb results in his selected modules , with six distinctions in the course of his studying . With funding from SEIFSA , he will be able to complete his B . Tech in Mechanical Engineering , with SEIFSA thus facilitating the addition of a great individual to the metals and engineering industries .
Thokozile was also first awarded a SEIFSA bursary in 2015 towards completing her National Diploma in Civil Engineering . She completed her National Diploma in 2017 through Tshwane University of Technology with aid from SEIFSA and has applied to the University of Johannesburg for her B . Tech in Civil Engineering : Water .
“ I chose water engineering because it will allow me to work on projects that will help people and make a difference in their lives . Water challenges are a huge problem that we are facing now and in the future . There are so many people in South Africa who don ’ t have access to clean water and sanitation and I feel like this is the best way for me to contribute ,” says Thokozile . Coming from a poor background , Thokozile never imagined completing her National Diploma , let alone her B-Tech in Civil Engineering : Water . She believes this has been the greatest achievement thus far in her life , as she said : “ For me , to be doing my B . tech now is truly a blessing .” Thokozile has proved to be a hard-working individual with above-average results attained from inception . She is one to look out for in the metals and engineering sector as she states that once she has attained her degree , she aims to establish her own consulting company in the long term .
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