For the past 15 years, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants’ Thuthuka Bursary has funded academically-talented students who want to become chartered accounts [CAs(SA)]. The 2021 applications have been extended until 30 August.
Thuthuka Bursary has supported over 3 900 African and colored students. Two of those beneficiaries are Chelsea McKie, who is currently studying to be CA(SA), and Didintle Malebogo, who has graduated.
Mckie explained, “Born on the Cape Flats, I was raised by a financially-struggling single mother who saw my potential from a young age. She knew I wanted to further my studies but she didn’t know where the funding would come from. Thuthuka has granted me the opportunity to educate myself.”
Malebogo agreed, “Thuthuka changed my life for the better. So many students struggle to fund accommodation, registration fees, prescribed textbooks, even getting access to their academic records. For many, even having enough money for a good meal is an ongoing struggle. As a Thuthuka beneficiary, I’ve never had to experience any of that.”
Thuthuka has confirmed that over 1 400 recipients have qualified CAs(SA) which is ‘an incredible achievement, considering that it takes a minimum of seven years to become a CA(SA) and 2 000 more are currently in the various stages of the qualification process.’
What is the Thuthuka Bursary?
The Thuthuka Bursary covers more than just tuition, books, meals and residence fees; it also ensures its students’ success by providing ‘wrap-around’ support in the form of:
- Various academic enrichment programs, such as additional tutorials, study skills and workshops;
- Social and emotional support;
- Work-readiness and life-skills training;
- Mentoring and counselling;
- Access to a dedicated programme manager; and
- Exposure to experienced business leaders among other
To qualify for the Thuthuka bursary, you must:
- Be a black African or coloured South African citizen;
- Must have obtained a matric certificate of no more than two years or be a university student studying a CA-stream BCom degree;
- Have obtained at least 60 per cent (Level 5 or above) in mathematics in Grade 11 or matric (maths literacy and technical maths learners are not considered);
- Have enough points to qualify for university entrance;
- Intend to study a BCom Accounting (CA-stream) degree;
- Have applied (or be in the process of applying) for a BCom Accounting (CA-stream) degree at a university offering a SAlCA-accredited Thuthuka (find the full list at www.saica.co.za);
- Come from a family with a combined income of R350 000 or less who cannot financially support your tertiary education; and
- Write and pass the National Benchmark Test (NBT).
To apply, visit www. thuthukabursaryfund.co.za and submit your application before the end of August 2020.
