Nine Walter Sisulu University Faculty of Engineering, Science and Technology students were awarded with bursaries from the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA).
The handover took place at the Eastern Seaboard Development Skills Revolution Summit held at the university’s Mthatha Campus: Nelson Mandela Drive site.
The students were amongst twenty-five recipients from different universities throughout the Eastern Seaboard Development region.
Level 3 Electrical Engineering student from WSU’s Buffalo City Campus, Phumzile Masolo, said, “I was referred to MISA by a WSU employee after I had registered through special cases for my second year due to my situation at home. I was glad to learn that my application was successful amongst many applicants.”
Masolo further said that one of the reasons he wanted this bursary was because MISA also offers learnerships and internships to students and this was a way of being one step closer to obtaining his internship through MISA.
The summit was attended by various stakeholders across the Eastern Seaboard. The Eastern Seaboard Development is a broad and multifaceted vision to develop a new smart city and to bring new developments across KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape.
The summit also drew participation from key partners and stakeholders from multiple professional bodies, academic institutions, royal houses, faith-based organisations as well as students and learners.
Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Dr Nkosazana-Dlamini Zuma, said, “If we invest in education and training, the country will be able to develop the skills and expertise necessary to capitalise on new technologies, adjust to new industries, and successfully compete in a global economy.”
While delivering her keynote address, Zuma added that this will result in higher salaries, more secure jobs, and an improved standard of living for everyone.
The bursaries are part of the ongoing MISA work aimed at empowering youth. The bursaries were given to students studying urban and regional planning, as well as Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
It covers registration fees, tuition fees, prescribed books, prescribed materials, meals and accommodation.
By: Anita Roji