41 bursary recipients from the cane-growing provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga
The Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE), held a successful media briefing on 1 February 2019 at the Sugar Terminal to announce this year’s 41 bursary recipients from the cane-growing provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
The presser attracted journalists from Business Report, Ilanga, Vuma FM, Inanda FM, Inkazimulu, Isolezwe, Umafrika, The Rising Sun, KZN Eyethu, Vibe FM, Sivubela Intuthuko. The media briefing was addressed by SITFE Chairman Tim Murray. Also in attendance were SITFE Trustees Nkonzo Mhlongo and Thandokwakhe Sibiya, SASA Management (led by External Affairs Director Portia Mpofu), four SITFE Alumni and 10 current bursary recipients from various tertiary institutions. Shortly after the briefing, journalists were taken on the tour of the Sugar Terminal by SASA Commercial Director Judith Wilson.
“Some of these outstanding youngsters are orphans while others are sons and daughters of domestic workers, farmworkers, security guards and unemployed parents who survive on state grants. Their adversity notwithstanding, they have defied the odds and aced their exams. As SITFE, we cannot let such academic brilliance go unnoticed. It is our duty to contribute towards education and grow the economy of the country through educated and skilled youth,” said Murray.
Students reciprocated, saying the sugar industry had made an immense contribution towards their careers and life in general through its financial assistance. One of this year’s recipients is 18-year-old Lethokuhle Hlongwane from Pietermaritzburg. She lost both her parents. Despite this personal tragedy, her determination has seen her pass her matric with flying colours and earning herself a place at the University of KwaZulu-Natal to study environmental sciences. “Hers is such an inspirational story to all of us. We are very confident that she will be extremely successful in her field of study and work,” said Murray.