In a powerful testament to the transformative impact of public-private partnerships, the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality and Amathole District Municipality collaborated with MaxProf and EST Sourcing, to host a prestigious bursary award ceremony on 21 January at the KwaMaqoma Town Hall. The event celebrated the academic brilliance of local youth providing total bursaries worth R340 000 to 11 students, ensuring that financial barriers no longer obstruct the path to their professional aspirations.
A Mandate for Modern Education
Delivering the keynote address, Executive Mayor of Raymond Mhlaba local municipality, Cllr. Nomhle Sango underscored the moral and constitutional obligation to support the youth. Invoking the spirit of the Freedom Charter, she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring “the doors of learning and culture shall be opened.”
“Education is the cornerstone of development and the ultimate key to unlocking opportunities,” Mayor Sango declared. “This collaboration with MaxProf and EST Sourcing demonstrates the extraordinary outcomes possible when government, the private sector, and communities unite toward a common goal: building a better future for all.”
Adding to the sentiment, Amathole District Municipality Chief Whip, Cllr Nanziwe Rulashe-Nesi, described the bursaries as more than mere financial aid. “Today is a vote of confidence in your abilities. You are the leaders of tomorrow, and we are investing in that promise today.”
Investing in Potential: The 2026 Recipients
The program recognized 11 exceptional learners from the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, selected not only for their academic merit but also based on their socio-economic backgrounds and specific needs.
The Merit Awardees: Four learners were each awarded a R15,000 bursary to assist with essential educational expenses:
- Ibenathi Soluzuko Mnqayi, Nkcubeko Mapi, Xolisa Mbina and Madiba Limnandi Kweta.
The Comprehensive Tuition Scholars: Seven learners received full-tuition coverage, representing a collective investment of R280,000:
- Jikeka Sesethu, Rulashe Sanda, Tina Ndukwana, Ngcali Simelela, Mihle Potwana, Mpho Makana, and Anganathi Mbokombo.
A Story of Resilience: The R70,000 Milestone
The emotional pinnacle of the ceremony was the presentation of a specialized R70,000 bursary to Mbokombo Inganathi. In a moving address, Inganathi shared his personal journey of overcoming significant adversity to achieve academic success. His testimony of resilience left the audience in a standing ovation, serving as a poignant reminder of why targeted educational funding is vital to restoring dignity and creating social mobility.
A Shared Vision for Growth
The initiative is the result of a long-standing synergy with MaxProf, an organization dedicated to youth development. MaxProf CEO, Pratish Ramdas, expressed immense pride in the partnership, stating, “We believe every young person deserves a fair chance to succeed.”
The atmosphere at KwaMaqoma Town Hall was one of profound hope and communal pride. As the formal proceedings transitioned into a celebration, families and local leaders shared a moment of collective triumph. The event served not only as a prize-giving but as an inspiration where the district’s brightest minds were introduced to their benefactors, cementing a support system that will follow them throughout their tertiary journey.
Closing the proceedings, the Raymond Mhlaba Speaker of Council, Cllr Thozama Ngaye, offered a final charge to the recipients, urging them to remain disciplined and focused as they carry the hopes of their families into the lecture halls of higher learning.
