Over R300 million in bursaries for Gauteng youth
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane hosted the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary Awards, where learners were given the opportunity to pursue their studies and begin their careers at different institutions of higher learning.
The GCRA Awards are an annual event hosted by the department to provide the province’s top performing learners with bursaries and financial support.
This year, the provincial government has invested R343 million towards securing the futures of young people who will be looking for ways to fund their tertiary education.
Speaking to the stakeholders and beneficiaries on the launch in Ubuntu Kraal, Soweto, MEC Chiloane said that Gauteng has the biggest spend in youth development, compared to any other government agencies or department.
According to the MEC, the Gauteng government has budgeted over R3 billion towards youth development initiatives and commitments made by Premier Lesufi earlier this year during his State Of The Province Address.
“We are fighting poverty, we are fighting unemployment, we are fighting lack of skills and any other social ill that is stopping our youth from succeeding in life,” said Chiloane.
In the award ceremony, the MEC engaged with about 80 social partners made up of various institutions that have enabled hundreds of learners to fulfill their potential in furthering their studies towards their respective careers.
The GCRA Bursary application is open every year to South Africans who have matriculated in Gauteng and are accepted to study an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification at an institution of higher learning.
Potential applicants must also have motivation for the Bursary, including proof of income from parents or guardians (affidavit for unemployed), amongst other requirements.
There are three main bursary types: Top achiever, Top 3 non-fee paying Schools, LSEN. If a learner does not fall under any of the three categories, they can consider the Financial Assistance or Renewal/Reinstatement (only regarded if a candi is continuing with their qualification).
