The award ceremony was held on Friday, March 20 at Kusile.
The bursaries will enable these students to study engineering (electrical, mechanical, industrial and civil) and accountancy at a South African academic institution of their choice.
About R35 million is being spent, which also covers 90 bursaries awarded in the previous financial year. The bursaries were awarded in partnership with Eskom’s supplier of turbine generators Alstom Power, as part of the Kusile Bursary Programme.
Since inception in 2010, 468 students have already benefited from the programme, including those who were awarded this year. The programme was established to address the region’s socio-economic challenges, specifically for previously disadvantaged groups, through education.
“Through this programme we want to provide students with the necessary support to help them succeed and also address the country’s critical skills shortage, especially in the sciences and financial services,” said Kusile programme manager, Aubrey Mzobe.
“Upon completion, Kusile will need a range of skills to ensure that it is properly maintained and well run throughout its life cycle,” said Mzobe.
“We need to make sure we have a pool of local skills to draw from for the benefit of the country as a whole.”
Eskom’s most advanced coal-fired power plant, Kusile will also be one of the world’s largest coal-fired power stations with a 4800 MW capacity.
