Forty-four university students are receiving comprehensive financial support through a R4 million Sunbet Cares bursary investment aimed at helping young South Africans complete their qualifications.
The Sunbet Cares Bursary Programme is supporting students at North-West University (NWU) and the University of Mpumalanga, providing assistance that extends beyond tuition fees.
The bursaries cover tuition, study materials, accommodation and living expenses, addressing several of the financial pressures that can prevent students from completing their studies.
At North-West University, beneficiaries were formally recognised during a launch event at the university’s Potchefstroom Campus on 1 September 2026.
Mark Rowles, Marketing Director at Sunbet, said the programme was designed to address the broader financial challenges students experience while pursuing higher education.
“Financial pressure is one of the common barriers that prevent students from completing their studies. That is why Sunbet’s commitment goes beyond simply paying tuition fees,” Rowles said.
“We want to help alleviate the broader financial pressures students face by ensuring that as many of their needs as possible are covered.”
For beneficiaries, the funding provides an opportunity to concentrate more fully on their academic performance without carrying the same financial burden.
NWU IT student Thatoyaona Moretsi said receiving the bursary had made a meaningful difference to both her education and future.
“With many households facing financial challenges and unable to afford the cost of tuition, this bursary has made a meaningful difference in my life and my future,” Moretsi said.
She encouraged fellow recipients to make the most of the opportunity, adding that the support demonstrated what could be achieved when deserving students were given an opportunity to succeed.
Sunbet Cares is also encouraging beneficiaries to extend the impact of the programme beyond their own qualifications.
Heidi Edson, Social Impact Manager at Sun International, challenged recipients to consider how their future success could create opportunities for other young people.
“When you graduate, we encourage you to pay it forward, give your time, share your knowledge and mentor other young people. Your success can create an opportunity for someone else,” Edson said.
Sunbet has partnered with education funding specialist Fundi Capital to manage beneficiary selection and bursary administration.
Benedict Johnson, Executive Head of EBS & New Initiatives at Fundi, said comprehensive funding can give students greater space to concentrate on completing their qualifications.
“We are here to take that worry away and create opportunities for students to focus on achieving their goals,” Johnson said.
David Moroeng, Acting Chief Director: Examination and Assessments at the North West Department of Education, said investment in higher education could also contribute towards developing future leaders and addressing inequality.
“By supporting higher education, you’re developing future leaders that will contribute meaningfully to the community,” Moroeng said.
The programme forms part of Sunbet’s broader investment in communities where it operates, with education identified as an area where support can generate benefits extending beyond individual students to their families and communities.
By covering both academic and everyday living costs, the R4 million initiative aims to give 44 students across North-West and Mpumalanga a stronger opportunity to remain at university, complete their qualifications and use their education to build their futures.
