SANRAL’s bursary and scholarship inductions
Scholarships and bursaries address the concerns of students who are unable to finance their studies. But financial worries should not plague our hardworking students. Their only concern should be furthering their education and finding their niche.
SANRAL is committed to developing students who express an interest in civil engineering and its related fields. The agency offers bursaries and scholarships to support these students and learners, who will become integral to South Africa’s infrastructure development in future.
EASTERN REGION
Future engineers in the Free State have been given a great opportunity by SANRAL to develop skills in the civil engineering sector. At an induction event hosted by the agency in Bloemfontein, eight pupils from secondary schools and a university student were awarded scholarships and a bursary.
Guest speakers included Gcina Sentletse, SANRAL Project Manager: Scholarships; Dr Cobus van Breda, Programme Director: Science-for-the-Future at the University of the Free State and SANRAL Senior Bursary Administrator Rhona Erasmus.
WESTERN REGION
The Western Region’s bursary and scholarship induction event was held at SANRAL’s regional office in Bellville on 11 May. Thirty students and learners, some accompanied by parents and guardians, gathered to get an up-close look at what SANRAL envisions for the next generation of civil engineers.
Once the ice was broken with some awkward ‘speed-dating’, the candidates were ready to be impressed by the extent of SANRAL’s footprint in South Africa.
Everyone’s interest was piqued when Western Region Manager Randall Cable talked about the use of technology and its potential in road construction. Students enjoyed a delicious lunch on the rooftop terrace, where even the Cape’s sunny weather made a guest appearance.
/ BUILDING OUR COUNTY'S FUTURE
SOUTHERN REGION
On 8 June scholarship and bursary recipients were hosted by SANRAL Board Chairman Themba Mhambi at a luncheon at the Hemingways Hotel in East London.
Inspiration came in the form of former bursary recipient and current candidate engineer at SANRAL’s Technical Excellence Academy, Sthembiso Zulu, who shared his journey with learners: “I truly believe that I have something special to give to my country, the fact that you are here shows you definitely have something to give. The lack of funds should not be a reason to prevent you from what you want to achieve. What separates you from everyone else is that you believe that you will be something. Don’t focus on those who don’t see anything in you, rather focus on those who see your potential. Remember, history is made by people like you.”
NORTHERN REGION
SANRAL’s Northern Region hosted its induction luncheon for recipients of agency scholarships and bursaries, in Pretoria. The event took place at the new Regency Apartment Hotel in Menlyn, where they were inspired by the hotel’s young owner, Siyanda Dlamini. A scholarship recipient himself, Siyanda shared his experience and the lessons he’s learnt so far. Previous recipients of SANRAL bursaries and scholarships also spoke about what was it is like to work in the engineering industry.
