Free State government visits VUT bursary holders
Free State government visits VUT bursary holders
The bursary recipients with colleagues from the Free State Provincial government
In efforts to develop and maintain close relations with their students, the Free State Provincial government paid Vaal University of Technology a visit on 14 October. Welcoming them was Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Research, Professor Kuzvinetsa Dzvimbo.
The visit served as an information session for the bursary holders. Points of discussion ranged from the timeous payments of fees, the availability of resources and study material, support system from the university staff as well as any other issues of concern the students have. In addition to motivating and inspiring them to continue with their studies and obtaining their qualifications.
In his opening, Mr Mokete Duma, Head of Department of COGTA set the tone by explaining the reason for their visit to the university and his hopes to see their students succeed academically. He gave a powerfully moving and inspiring talk on the journey of being an academic. He said that education is a building block towards economic emancipation and told the students to remain focused and dedicated. He further touched on the importance of finding innovative solutions for the challenges the students may be facing.
Representing the MEC of the Free State Department of Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and Human Settlements Ms Sefora Ntombela was Mayor, Cllr. Mamsy Tsoene. Cllr. Tsoene who’s an advocate for education and a proud VUT alumni did not spare any words, she told the students that the Free State Province has already spent millions of rands towards their education and that they have high hopes for them. “We want you to be change agents, your qualifications matter, you must come back to the Free State with a qualification and improve the lives of others,” she said.
The bursary fund programme was initiated by the Free State Premier, Ace Magashule in response to the high demand for funding from students who wished to pursue their tertiary studies. His vision is to ensure that funds are available to take as many children to university as possible.