EC DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SEES HUGE TURNOUT FOR BURSARY ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN THROUGHOUT THE PROVINCE 

The Eastern Cape Department of Education's Bursary Advocacy Campaign has been a resounding success, attracting a large number of unemployed youth with a national senior certificate and learners who are currently doing matric to pursue a career in Education studies through the Funza Lushaka Bursary, Matthew Goniwe Bursary, and Military Veterans Bursary.

The campaign saw a significant turnout of unemployed youth, who flocked to the various district meetings that the Department held between August and this month to learn more about the bursary opportunities available to them.

According to Luvuyo Mgijima who the Deputy Director for Human Resource Development and a Bursary coordinator in the Department, the campaign has been a huge success, with a significant turnout of unemployed youth who are eager to curb teacher shortage in schools under the identified three-stream model in African Languages, Mathematics, and Science subjects. "We believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential of our youth and promoting economic growth in the Province" said Mgijima.

Dr Msimelelo Nkohla who is the Deputy Head of School of Further and Continuing Education and a Academic Coordinator for Funza Lushaka Bursary at the Fort Hare University echoed the sentiments of Mgijima saying that the University is thrilled to be part of the campaign and see such a huge turn out in all the districts which clearly shows that the interest in pursuing a career in education amongst young people is growing. The response has been overwhelming with many young people eager to apply for Bachelor of Education studies and this campaign has not only highlighted the importance of education but also the potential for young people to make a meaningful contribution to society through teaching."

While the campaign was a success, Fezile Matinyane, a Walter Sisulu University Registration Administrator, acknowledged some challenges. "We encountered some challenges, particularly in rural areas where unemployed youth struggled to access online application platforms due to data or network challenges. Some applicants also faced difficulties in meeting the required admission requirements but despite these challenges, the collaboration for the campaign was a success and we are committed to doing better in the future" added Matinyana.

Matinyane also highlighted the university's role in the campaign saying that the University provides insight into it's admission requirements and application processes. "We assist prospective applicants with online applications and expect them to apply to our various courses. The Department then provides financial support to admitted applicants ensuring that they focus on their studies without worrying about basic needs."

To improve on the campaign, Matinyane recommended starting it immediately after the June recess to avoid it clashing with trial examinations and extending the scope to Grade 9 learners to advise them on subject combinations and requirements.

The campaign has also received praise from community members in Sethabathaba location, Mount Fletcher. Nomathongo Dada, a mother of an unemployed young person from the Joe Gqabi Education District, expressed her excitement about the campaign. "I am absolutely thrilled to see the Eastern Cape Government making a positive impact in our rural communities. The enthusiasm and interest shown by young people, despite their desperation due to unemployment, was truly inspiring. I hope that more opportunities like this will be brought to our communities to empower our youth and drive progress."

Sinothando Jotile, a Grade 12 learner from Edward Zibi Senior Secondary School, spoke on behalf of all learners who attended the 2025 bursary advocacy campaign sharing her thoughts on the entire campaign drive. "Saying that we are grateful for the opportunity to learn about the bursary opportunities available to us is an understatement. The campaign has opened our eyes to the possibilities that exist beyond our rural communities. We are excited to apply for the bursaries and pursue our dreams of furthering our studies and we thank the Eastern Cape Government for investing in our future and empowering us to become the leaders in the future" said a visibly excited and grateful Jotile.