On 22 May 2009, the Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (HCI) Foundation through Golden Arrow Bus Services handed over bursaries to the value of R98 000 to students they identified as academically deserving.
The bursary programme is part of a new partnership between CPUT and Golden Arrow, which will see more students awarded full bursaries, internship and possible employment on satisfactory completion of their studies.
Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, Golden Arrow Director for Human Resources Meko Magida, said the partnership was one of the means through which the company was addressing the skills shortage in the country.
He said as the programme continues to grow, more students could benefit.
“If you do well, we would like you to join the company”, said Magida.
Dr Mandla Tshabalala of the HCI Foundation said the students had showed talent and should continue to take their studies seriously.
“Grab this opportunity with both hands and run with it,” he said.
Advancement Director Dr Garth van Gensen said the opportunity afforded to the five students was phenomenal and should not be taken lightly. He said the students were not the only beneficiaries of the programme but the entire CPUT community.
Dr van Gensen said the university was excited at the partnership and grateful for the generous contribution.
The students, Keenan Brandt (second year Mechanical Engineering), Zimbini Makunga (first year Mechanical Engineering), Qaqamba Qauka (second year Human Resource Management) and Lonwabo Mganisa (1st year Mechanical Engineering) said they were thrilled and relieved by receiving the bursary.
They said it would be easier for them to focus on their studies without worrying about payment of their fees.
The students said with internship and employment placement taken care of, they had one less thing to worry about when they finished their studies. Christian Roberts, a Mechanical Engineering student, who was unable to attend the hand over, was also awarded a bursary.
By Noloyiso Mchunu
Photo: (left to right) Nokuthula Nkatha from Golden Arrow; CPUT Advancement director Dr Garth van Gensen; students Keenan Brandt; Zimbini Makunga; Qaqamba Qauka; Lonwabo Mganisa; Golden Arrow Human Resources Executive Director Meko Magida; Dr Mandla Tshabalala and Khaya Jack both representing the HCI Foundation. The fifth student recipient, Christian Roberts was not available at the time of taking the photograph.
