The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure recently awarded 63 prestigious bursaries to some of South Africa’s top-performing students from the 2024 matric class. The ceremony, held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Johannesburg, showcased the department’s commitment to fostering talent from underprivileged communities. The bursaries, which focus on students excelling in Mathematics and Science, are part of the Ministry’s School Programme, aimed at empowering youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The bursary policy specifically targets learners from quintile one to three schools, prioritizing those who face financial challenges. The recipients of these bursaries are set to embark on exciting careers in the built environment, where they will train to become engineers, quantity surveyors, electricians, and other key professionals essential for South Africa’s infrastructure development.
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, emphasized the long-term impact of the bursary programme, noting that each recipient would be required to work for the department for two years after completing their studies. This commitment is designed to ensure that these talented individuals contribute directly to the country’s infrastructure growth and economic prosperity.
“These bursaries represent a significant investment in developing a skilled workforce that will help turn South Africa into a construction hub, driving economic growth and creating thousands of new jobs,” Macpherson stated. “But beyond building roads and structures, this initiative is about creating real opportunities for individuals to improve their lives and, in turn, contribute to our nation’s success.”
Macpherson’s vision extends beyond education; he sees the programme as a pathway for sustainable development in South Africa’s infrastructure sector. “To our bursary recipients, this is not just a scholarship, it’s an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. The bridges you build, the spaces you create, and the homes you oversee will have a profound impact on our communities,” he added.
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Msizi Myeza, CEO of the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), underscored the broader significance of the built environment. “It’s more than just creating physical structures; it’s about shaping the canvas of our shared humanity,” Myeza said. “This path demands professionalism, Ubuntu, and an insatiable drive for knowledge.”
Under the leadership of Minister Macpherson, the bursary programme has expanded to reach even more schools, offering wider access to opportunities in the built environment. The initiative not only provides critical financial support but also ensures that young South Africans are equipped with the skills necessary to drive the country’s infrastructure development.
“This programme is about more than just constructing buildings and roads,” Macpherson concluded. “It’s about improving lives and creating a thriving nation where every citizen has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The success of the bursary programme has been made possible through strong partnerships with schools, universities, professional bodies, and SETAs. These collaborations are key to ensuring that the next generation of professionals in the built environment has the support and resources they need to succeed.
