Marikana mom (37) told she’s too old for bursary
Busi Mtshali (37) says her bursary was unfairly withdrawn because of her age.
Tsakane – The Marikana mother of two applied successfully for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality community bursary in 2017 for the 2018 academic year.
“I am doing my third year towards my LLB at Unisa. I applied and provided all the information they requested on the application form,” she explains.
She says received confirmation in February that her application had been successful.
Also read: Seven distinctions for Tsakane learner, but no bursary yet
“I was excited because I am unemployed and we all depend on the grand I receive for my children.
It would be a huge load off my shoulders for my studies to be paid up.”
Busi says she went to the Office of Economic Development in Kempton Park to sign the contract for the bursary.
When she arrived she was instructed to check for her name on the printed list of successful applicants.
“I found my name on the list that was on the notice board.”
She says her troubles began when she met the official who was supposed to give her the contract to sign.
“She left me in the office. She returned to inform me that she was not allowed to give contracts to people above the age of 35.”
Busi said she was turned away.
She then went to the office of the mayor, and she alleges she was met by an official who promised to resolve the matter, claiming that it was clear that Busi’s application had been successful.
“I went to the Office of Economic Development, and all the officials who assisted me on the first visit were not available to see me.
“I feel like I’ve been discriminated against and I just want to understand why,” she says.
Ekurhuleni Municipality failed to respond to our media inquiry before going to press.
