The South Deep Education Trust (SDET) is paving the way for educational excellence and socio-economic development through its generous bursary program. Established as a non-profit organization, SDET is committed to empowering communities connected to the South Deep Mine by providing vital education and skills development opportunities.
Since its inception in 2015, the South Deep Education Trust Bursary has supported students from host and labour-sending areas, enabling them to pursue higher education in diverse fields.
About the South Deep Education Trust Bursary
The South Deep Education Trust Bursary Programme aims to equip students with the financial resources they need to excel in tertiary education. For the 2025 academic year, the program is open to students pursuing Diploma or Degree studies in any technical or non-technical field. This inclusivity highlights SDET’s dedication to broadening opportunities for young individuals, regardless of their chosen career paths.
Coverage and Benefits
The bursary is designed to eliminate financial barriers and covers a wide range of expenses:
- Tuition fees: Full coverage to ensure students can focus solely on their studies.
- Textbooks and Equipment: Support for learning materials, including specialized equipment for programs such as dentistry, architecture, or engineering.
- Accommodation: Assistance for both on-campus and off-campus housing.
- Laptop Allowance: To facilitate modern learning and access to digital resources.
- Monthly Stipend: Provided for ten months annually, ensuring students can meet basic living expenses.
In addition to financial support, SDET bursary recipients benefit from personal development programs, mentorship, and tailored tutoring services as needed. These initiatives are designed to foster academic success and career readiness.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SDET Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Household Income: Applicants must come from households earning no more than R350,000 per annum.
- Residency: Students must reside in South Deep Mine’s host communities or labour-sending areas, including Westonaria, Bekkersdal, Simunye, Poortjie, and regions in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape.
- Employment Dependency: Applicants must not be dependents of employees of Gold Fields, its divisions, or Trustees of the South Deep Education and Community Trusts.
- Academic Status: Open to students currently in Matric (2024) or those who have completed Matric.
- Study Plans: Applicants must intend to study towards a Diploma or Degree at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.
- No Overlapping Funding: Applicants must not have any existing bursaries, scholarships, or other funding assistance.
- Academic Achievement: A minimum overall average of 75% (excluding Life Orientation) for Matric students or 65% for tertiary students is required.
Additional Requirements
Recipients are encouraged to give back to their communities by completing one week of volunteering or vacation work each year. This program is designed to enhance graduates’ work-readiness while fostering a spirit of community engagement.
How to Apply
Applications for the SDET Bursary must be submitted online. Interested students can access the application form via the South Deep Education Trust Bursary Application 2025 portal. Applicants are also advised to read the comprehensive SDET Bursary Guide before proceeding.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide clear, certified copies of the following documentys:
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate or latest Matric results
- Full academic record (for current tertiary students)
- Proof of tertiary acceptance or provisional acceptance
- Proof of residence
- Proof of household income (e.g., payslips, affidavit, SASSA grant documentation)
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 31 January 2025. Late submissions will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well in advance.
Contact Information
For further inquiries regarding the bursary program, applicants can contact:
- Contact Person: Mbali Dlanga (Trust Administrator)
- Tel: 011 544 0300
- Email: southdeepeducation@tshikululu.org.za
Related: Eastern Cape Bursary Programme for 2025
By offering comprehensive financial and personal support, the South Deep Education Trust is committed to transforming the lives of students and their families. This initiative not only addresses immediate educational needs but also lays the foundation for long-term socio-economic development in South Deep Mine’s host and labour-sending areas.
