Are you a young South African looking for financial support to achieve your dreams of higher education? The 2025 Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship is here to make that dream a reality. Applications are now open, and the closing date is Friday, 11 October 2024, at 12:00 midday. This scholarship offers more than just financial aid—it is an opportunity for young, talented South Africans to pursue their studies, gain confidence, and make a lasting impact on their communities.
About the Thebe Foundation
The Thebe Foundation was established in February 2011 to support Thebe Investment Corporation’s corporate social investment strategy. Since its inception, the foundation has been working towards reshaping South Africa’s economically marginalized communities by fostering education and enterprise development. Thebe believes in building communities, as reflected in the African proverb, “No matter how far a stream flows, it never forgets its source.” The foundation’s mission is to use its resources to empower communities by offering transformative programs that focus on education and enterprise development.
The Thebe Foundation collaborates with various companies and partners to ensure that the socio-economic transformation of South African communities is not just a vision but a reality. Through initiatives like the Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship, Thebe continues to build a better, more prosperous future for the youth of South Africa.
About the Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship
The Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship Fund, launched in 2016, honors Dr. Enos Mabuza’s legacy and his significant role in the establishment of Thebe Investment Corporation. Alongside prominent leaders like Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Beyers Naude, Dr. Mabuza’s contributions have laid a strong foundation for the corporate and social development in South Africa. This scholarship aims to support financially disadvantaged students and contribute to their academic and personal growth. The end goal is to equip graduates with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship offers comprehensive support, covering:
- Tuition fees for the entire duration of your studies
- Textbooks needed for your course
- Accommodation costs (if you are staying in accredited housing)
- Meals
- Transport allowance (for those living at home)
This scholarship is designed to ensure that students can focus on their education without the burden of financial strain. However, it’s important to note that the scholarship does not cover historical debt. If you have outstanding fees from previous years, the bursary will not pay for those, and it could result in the termination of your scholarship if discovered later.
Additionally, if you accept the Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship, you will be required to terminate any other financial aid (e.g., NSFAS) that you may have.
Requirements
If you’re interested in applying for the 2025 Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship, make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be under 35 years old.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Employment Status: Applicants must be unemployed and studying full-time.
- Academic Record: A good academic record with an average pass rate of at least 60%.
- Household Income: Your household income must be below R600,000 per year.
- BBBEE Designation: Applicants must belong to a Black Designated Group (Africans, Coloureds, Indians, Asians).
- Institutions: You must be pursuing a qualification at a public tertiary institution registered with the DHET and SAQA.
Fields of Study Supported by the Scholarship
The scholarship is available for students enrolling in the following fields of study:
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Finance
- Mining Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Agriculture
- Education/BEd (specializing in Mathematics and Technology)
- Renewable Energy
- Water and Energy
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
- Media, Information, and Communication programs
For students attending TVET colleges, artisan programs in specific skills such as Electricians, Plumbing, Mechanics, Solar Voltaic Service Technicians, and Millwright are also eligible for funding.
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How to Apply
To apply for the 2025 Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship, follow these instructions carefully to ensure your application is complete:
- Ensure Accuracy: Read all sections of the application form carefully and ensure that the information you provide is correct. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will not be considered.
- Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents to attach to your application.
- Deadline: Submit your application before Friday, 11 October 2024, at 12:00 midday. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Required Documents for Application
Make sure you have the following documents ready:
- One-page Motivation Letter: Explain why you chose your field of study and how you plan to use it after graduation.
- Certified Copy of your South African ID.
- Certified Copies of your Parents’ or Guardians’ IDs or death certificates (if applicable).
- Proof of Household Income: Attach payslips or SASSA documents, and affidavits confirming unemployment if applicable.
- Grade 11 and 12 Reports (if you’re a matric student).
- TVET College Academic Reports (if applicable).
For those applying as gap year students, undergraduates, or postgraduates, you must also submit:
- Certified copy of your matric certificate.
- Official Proof of Registration for the 2024 academic year.
- Latest Official Academic Transcripts.
- Doctor’s Letter (if you have a disability).
Additional Notes
- You will receive a confirmation email once your application is submitted.
- If your application is unsuccessful, you will be notified. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
- Good luck with your application!
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The 2025 Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship is a golden opportunity for young South Africans from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. If you meet the criteria and are passionate about your chosen field of study, don’t miss out on this chance to apply. Thebe Foundation is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders and professionals who will shape the future of South Africa.