Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal learners stand a good chance of acquiring a bursary to study at tertiary level.

Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal learners stand a good chance of acquiring a bursary to study at tertiary level.

Ulutsha Development Trust is inviting applications for bursaries from matriculants in the rural areas of the two provinces.

Ulutsha has joined forces with Lembede Investment, Metropolitan Holdings Ltd, Umsobomvu Youth Fund, and the Youth Commission to empower exceptional learners with outstanding matric results and a commitment to learning.

Bursaries will be awarded to learners who wish to pursue careers in scarce skills for both private and public sector. This will be done in conjunction with the Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (Jipsa).

Applications will be reviewed by the Trustees in consultation with the Department of Education and a recruitment consultancy.

"Our long-term goal is to reach as many underprivileged learners from rural and remote areas as possible, to help them expand their career opportunities and empower them to contribute positively to our economy," says Lonwabo Sambudla, CEO of Lembede Investment and Ulutsha Development Trust managing trustee.

According to Mandla Mvelase of Metropolitan, the partnership is a perfect fit with the company's ethos of community development through education. "We are proud to be part of this initiative that addresses the country's skills shortage and assist in creating jobs in the most core areas of South Africa."

Malose Kekana, CEO of Umsobomvu Youth Fund, said: "We view this sponsorship as an opportunity for us to interact with young people on issues of career guidance, especially in the more rural and disadvantaged areas. We are certain that with the wealth of information that we will impart to these young people, they will be able to make the right decisions about their future."

For more details, call Ulutsha on 011-883-4205.