Kathu Solar Park has opened applications for its 2026 bursary intake, continuing its commitment to empowering young people in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District through access to higher education.
Launched three years ago, the bursary programme has already transformed the lives of more than 40 students, with 11 graduates completing their studies and 38 others currently supported — split evenly between universities and TVET colleges. The initiative was established to break financial barriers and ensure that talented young people from the Northern Cape have the opportunity to pursue tertiary education and meaningful careers.
According to Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, the Social and Economic Development Manager at Kathu Solar Park, the bursary continues to be a catalyst for change across the region. She said the programme was about more than financial assistance — it represents a long-term investment in the area’s social and economic future. “We have seen first-hand how these opportunities change lives, not only for the students themselves but for their families and communities,” said Mntonintshi.
The 2026 intake aims to enrol at least 20 new students, depending on the performance and progress of the current beneficiaries. Over the years, students supported by the programme have pursued a variety of qualifications in fields such as accounting, science, and education — areas seen as critical for regional and national development.
Applications are open to South African citizens residing in the JTG District who are either already registered at, or intending to enrol with, a recognised South African public tertiary institution. This includes TVET Colleges, Universities of Technology, and traditional Universities.
Each bursary is tailored to individual needs and may cover tuition, registration, and exam fees, as well as accommodation, meals, and learning materials. Selection is based on a combination of academic merit and financial need, with applicants’ combined household income required to be under R600,000 per year.
Mntonintshi emphasised that education remains one of the most powerful tools for transformation in the region. “Through this bursary programme, Kathu Solar Park is proud to play a part in unlocking opportunities for local youth and helping to build a skilled generation ready to contribute to South Africa’s development,” she said.
By investing in education, Kathu Solar Park continues to demonstrate how renewable energy projects can drive social progress and open pathways to a more inclusive, sustainable future.
