They say rain brings blessings, and on 12 March, the heavens opened over Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality to witness a life-changing milestone. In a powerful display of community spirit, the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, in partnership with MaxProf and EST Sourcing, handed over bursaries totalling R105,000 to five extraordinary students.
For these young leaders, the pouring rain transformed into a vibrant sign of hope rather than a setback. These funds do more than simply settle expenses; they pave the way for aspirations that were once threatened by financial obstacles. With each drop, the possibilities expand, allowing dreams that seemed just out of reach to blossom and thrive.
The Faces of Our Future
The 2026 bursary recipients represent a diverse range of talent and ambition across South Africa’s top institutions:
- Seepe Karabo: Pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Accountancy (UJ).
- Gift Rulane: Studying for a Bachelor of Arts (UP).
- Kefilwe Seamoga: Working towards a B.Ed in Foundation Phase (UJ).
- Sylvia Sedumedi: Enrolled in an Advanced Diploma in Humanities (TUT).
- Aaliyah Moaise: Pursuing a degree in Information Sciences (UNISA).
- Dire Tshiamo: Completing a BCom in Management Sciences (NWU).
Voices of Hope: Students Share How Bursaries are Changing Their Lives
The reality for many South African students is that academic talent isn’t always enough to bypass the “red tape” of funding. Tshiamo Dire,currently in his final year, shared the frustration of being defunded by NSFAS.
“I’m so grateful for this bursary because I can now complete my qualification without worrying about finances,” Tshiamo shared, expressing his deep gratitude to the Municipality and its partners.
For Gift Rulani, a degree is more than just a piece of paper, it is a lifeline for his entire family. As the head of a child-headed household, Gift bears the weight of his siblings’ futures on his shoulders. When his promised NSFAS funding vanished upon arrival at the University of Pretoria, hope seemed lost.
“We had given up,” says Mr. Modise, a dedicated teacher who stepped in as a father figure for Gift. But where the system failed, a community led by the Executive Mayor Cllr. Canney Thabo Jacobs’ office and MaxProf stepped in. Thanks to their vital partnership, Gift is back in the classroom, gaining the tools he needs to lead his family toward a brighter, more secure future.
Similarly, Karabo Seepe, represented by her sister, sent a message of profound relief. Her sister noted that the award is a “big help” to their family, supporting Karabo as she chases her “big dreams.”
The Mayor’s Vision: Closing the Registration Gap
The Honourable Mayor Cllr. Canney Thabo Jacobs reflected on the origins of this initiative, noting that the biggest hurdle isn’t always getting a bursary, but simply getting through the door. He recalled a pivotal moment in 2022 when a young student approached his office, not for a full bursary, but just for the registration fee while waiting for NSFAS.
“It was at that moment that this initiative was established,” Mayor explained. What started as a voluntary act of kindness has grown into a robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, thanks to MaxProf stepping in to increase the budget.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
The collaboration between the Municipality and MaxProf isn’t a once-off event, it’s a growing legacy. Mrs. Renusha Ramdas, CEO of EST Sourcing, highlighted that this journey began in 2021 with two bursaries worth R30,000. Today, that commitment has more than tripled.
Mrs. Ramdas closed her address with a powerful thought from Albert Einstein: “A person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.”
Einstein’s words show us that facts can come with limits, but dreams offer vision beyond those constraints. With these bursaries, we empower students not just with a degree but with the drive to pursue their dreams and make a difference.
This initiative showcases the incredible outcomes that arise when local government teams up with the private sector for a common purpose. We’re not merely providing support to students; we’re nurturing the future accountants, educators, and leaders of our communities. A heartfelt congratulations to our five recipients! May your paths be as unwavering and enriching as the rain that graced us during your handover day.
