Former bursar encourages promising 2010 matriculants to apply for Sasol bursary

21 January 2010

Sasol today kicked-off its call for bursary applications for the 2011 academic year and a former bursar, now employed by Sasol, is encouraging those with a passion for science and technology to submit their application.

Pakama Gcabo, a process engineer with Sasol Technology in Sasolburg, graduated from the University of Cape Town four years ago as a Sasol bursar. "I had no idea at the time that being accepted as a bursar would change my life so dramatically," stated Gcabo, who hails from a small community in the Eastern Cape. "It not only enriched my life but that of my whole family. It has even enabled me to fund my younger brother's studies."

Sasol awards over 100 new bursaries every year. Students wishing to study towards mathematics and science degrees such as Engineering, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Commerce in the 2011 academic year, are invited to apply.

"I always had a keen interest in maths and science at school but living with a single mother on a meager income, I had little hope of being able to study at tertiary level," Gcabo said. "When I heard that Sasol was offering bursaries to learners who show promise in these fields, I decided to apply and haven't looked back since."

Sasol runs one of South Africa's largest bursary schemes in the country with 761 undergraduate and postgraduate bursars supported in 2009. The investment of R45 million in 2009 focused primarily on developing talent in science and technology disciplines.

When asked why promising maths and science learners should choose to apply for a Sasol bursary in particular, Gcobo explained that the sheer scale of the company's local and international operations means that those who go on to work for Sasol are exposed to a myriad of opportunities. "From very humble beginnings, I found myself working abroad on exciting international projects, often at the cutting edge of technological and scientific discovery", she said.

The bursary scheme is a critical component of Sasol's multi-million rand investment in education and skills development programmes forming part of the drive to secure the required talent within the organisation. In 2009 the company invested over R400 million in programmes focusing on learner interventions from early childhood development through to PhD level, and through their Corporate Social Investment they also support teacher development initiatives.

Candidates can apply online at www.sasolbursaries.com, call 0860 106 235 or SMS 'sasol bursaries' to 33130. Applications close 5 March 2010. Applicants will be required to provide their latest academic results and identity number.

Pakama Gcabo, process engineer with Sasol Technology in Sasolburg and ex-Sasol bursar, engages with colleague Kobus Hechter.