Case studies

Here’s what some of our past bursary recipients have to say:

Hometown: Molapo, Soweto

Institution: South West Gauteng TVET College (SWGC)

Course: Engineering and related Design NC (V) Level 2-4

“In 2018 I enrolled at the South West Gauteng TVET College (Molapo Campus) to study Engineering and related Design NC (V).

Then in 2019 while doing NCV level 3, my lecturer advised me to join the Gibela after-school programme to help improve my Maths and Science skills. The student assistants’ from the programme promised to help us apply for bursaries should we work hard and commit ourselves to our studies. At the end of that year, I passed all subjects with a distinction in Mathematics. This helped me to get accepted for the Gibela TVET bursary. I’m now studying my NCV level 4 at SWGC’s Molapo Campus through Gibela. I’m humbled and grateful to the Gibela after-school programme for helping me achieve my goals.”

Hometown: KwaThema, Ekurhuleni

Institution: Ekurhuleni East College

Course: N6 Electrical Engineering certificate

“My journey with Gibela started in 2016 when I applied for their bursary while completing my N4 Electrical Engineering studies at Ekurhuleni East College. After completing my studies, I was selected as part of a group of young people from Ekurhuleni who joined Gibela’s three-year apprenticeship and leadership programmes. I was placed under millwright apprenticeship from May 2017 to February 2020.

“I will forever be grateful for the opportunities that Gibela has given me. Being part of their team has been a great experience for me.”

Hometown: Thohoyandou, Limpopo

Institution: University of Johannesburg

Course: Industrial Engineering

“If it hadn’t been for Gibela, I wouldn’t be studying because I had no one to fund my studies. I didn’t even have money for registration. Now, my short-term dream is to go back home and start an organisation to help other young people apply for bursaries and have opportunities for a bright future like me. I also want to pursue my career as an industrial engineer and help other learners achieve their goals.”

Hometown: Duduza, Gauteng

Institution: University of the Witwatersrand

Course: BA (Law)

“With my background, I wouldn’t have been able to afford to go university – I didn’t even qualify for a loan. Gibela gives us support, is always there for us, checks up on our development and motivates us. During the bursar development week, we were taught to believe in ourselves and that we can reach our aspirations to be who we want to be. I’m really interested in constitutional law. I would like to become South Africa’s chief justice one day. I’m aiming high and dreaming big.”