The lives of six local learners were forever changed recently when they received the exciting news that they have received full study grants from Transalloys. Each of the students will now be able to officially start their tertiary journey knowing that they can focus on their studies and achieving their career dreams. The announcement is also a milestone for the Transalloys team; being similarly celebrated as a partnership milestone with other key Department of Basic Education players.

When Promise Kabi, Mduduzi Sivela, Njabulo Masilela, Yibanathi Ncongwane, Samukelo Hlabitha, and Mbali Mkhatshwa received the news that they had received a full study grant for their tertiary studies, their reactions were a mixture of excitement, relief and disbelief. “Coming from a background where I have had to overcome many challenges, this is a dream come true for me and my family,” says Mduduzi Sivela. “It means I can now start to build my future in computer science, taking my first step to realise this at Nelson Mandela University. I’m excited and feel very grateful. I know there is a responsibility that comes with this opportunity, and I am committed to making my family and the everyone who has made this possible proud.” 

The announcement follows a year of preparation and partnership between Transalloys and the Department of Basic Education. “When conceptualising the guidelines for the study grant selection, we were very mindful of the challenges facing students coming from spaces of extreme vulnerability in our community. While corporate bursaries typically target learners who are able to realise a level of potential at school, we wanted to identify those learners who clearly had potential that we could help unlock,” explains Christopher Sekgobela, Human Resources Manager: Transalloys.

Working with the Department of Basic Education, local schools and teachers, Transalloys went through a process of identifying potential grant candidates during the course of last year. “Each of these students were then encouraged to do their very best in their studies – exceeding all of our expectations. We’re exceptionally proud of their results and achievements. They all have very bright futures ahead of them,” says Betty Shoba, Circuit Manager: eMalahleni Municipality.

The study grants – valued at a collective R1.2m – mean that each of the students have been able to register for their respective courses, and will commence their tertiary studies with everything they need to succeed. This includes appropriate accommodation and a living allowance; laptops and books; as well as their tertiary fees being covered. “This is critical given the big dreams each of them has, and the fact that they will all be studying away from home,” explains Theo Morkel, General Manager: Transalloys.

Speaking at the announcement event, Salaminah Tlhabioa, Human Resources Officer: Transalloys, wished each of the students well: “Like you, we’re all very excited about what your future holds. May this next chapter inspire, motivate and challenge you. Stay focused and strong – and know that we will be here to support you throughout.”

Promise Kabi and Samukelo Hlabitha will both be going to the University of Witwatersrand to study chemical engineering and electrical engineering respectively. Mduduzi Sivela and Mbali Mkhatshwa will be enrolling at Nelson Mandela University, with both studying computer science. Njabulo Masilela will be completing her B Com accounting at the University of Johannesburg, and Yibanathi Ncongwane will be studying computer science at the University of Zululand.

Caption: Theo Morkel, General Manager of Transalloys with some of the bursary recipients.