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HIGHER EDUCATION

MEDIA

OUR ROLE

To enable disadvantaged youth to become contributors to our economy as producers of innovative goods and services; as creators of wealth and jobs through entrepreneurial enterprises; and as informed participants and decision-makers in democratic processes.

HIGHER EDUCATION

OVERVIEW

  • South Africa grapples with one of the most pressing challenges on the global stage: its staggering unemployment rate, which stands as the highest in the world.
  • The disparity in employment prospects is stark: while tertiary graduates enjoy better opportunities, youth with only secondary education or less face disproportionately high levels of unemployment.
  • South Africa’s tertiary education participation rate falls below international benchmarks, demanding collaborative efforts from multiple stakeholders to facilitate broader access to higher education.
  • In the 21st century, the driving force behind thriving economies, effective governance, and organisational success is knowledge. Cultivating an educated workforce will fuel innovation and drive progress.
Scholarships
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HIGHER EDUCATION

Areas of Focus

STEAM Scholarships

The future of work forecasts a rapid expansion in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) sectors. While prioritising the highly lucrative STEM fields, the Motsepe Foundation also emphasises the importance of the arts industry in this evolving landscape. Creativity and innovation are essential drivers of progress, and imagination will play a vital role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By fostering a holistic approach that includes arts education alongside STEM disciplines, we ensure that graduates are equipped with the diverse skill sets necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and innovative world.

Martha Rose Scholarship

The Martha Rose Scholarship is a tribute to the legacy of our founder, Dr Moloi-Motsepe's beloved mother who was a dedicated nurse at Baragwaneth Hospital in Soweto. This scholarship is awarded to promising nursing and psychology students, echoing Martha Rose's commitment to both learning and service. In a world where automation looms, we recognise the profound human essence of healing, an artistry beyond replication by machines.

Areas of Focus

Universities in Dialogue

Cultivate Change Agents
 Inspire student leaders to become catalysts for positive change within their universities and broader communities, promoting a culture of activism, empowerment, and social responsibility.
Drive Action
Encourage student leaders to develop actionable plans and initiatives to address identified challenges and concerns, with a focus on tangible outcomes.
Raise Awareness
Increase awareness among student leaders about the evolving landscape of the future of work, including emerging trends, skills requirements, and opportunities for career development.
Foster Collaboration
Promote collaboration and networking among student and other academic leaders to share best practices, resources, and initiatives aimed at improving student well-being and academic success.
Identify Priorities
Encourage student leaders to identify and prioritise key issues affecting students, including academic, social, and mental health concerns, to develop actionable strategies for addressing these issues.
Universities in Dialogue

Perspectives on Higher Education

Bursary Unit

Our Interventions

All bursary recipients receive full non-repayable financial assistance to cover their tuition, accommodation, and study materials. In addition, the Bursary Unit provides:

1

Workshops:

On-boarding workshops with academic counselling professionals provide guidance on themes including time management, study skills, stress management and examination preparation.

2

University Visits:

In-person meetings between the bursary team and students, including one-on-one and group sessions, guide students as they adjust to campus life and encourages support networks amongst themselves.

3

Whatsapp Group:

WhatsApp groups facilitated by the bursary team encourages student engagement on academic challenges and strengthens professional and personal networks that can assist them later in their careers.

4

Financial Support:

A monthly cash and card allowance for meals, stationery and other personal needs operates as a student grant, as many of our students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and use this allowance to support their families as well.

5

Resource Provision:

Provisions of laptops and data to access the internet are made available, understanding that it is a crucial advantage for students who excel at university.

Employment and Entrepreneurship

Stories that Leave a Mark

R30 Million Donated to 26 University SRCs Towards Student Registration, Fees and Historical Debt
Higher Education News

R30 Million Donated to 26 University SRCs Towards Student Registration, Fees and Historical Debt

R30 Million Donated to 26 University SRCs Towards Student Registration,…
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2023 Annual Sol Plaatje Lecture on Constitutionalism and Student Funding
Higher Education News

2023 Annual Sol Plaatje Lecture on Constitutionalism and Student Funding

2023 Annual Sol Plaatje Lecture on Constitutionalism and Student Funding…
Read More
The Role of STEM in Community Empowerment
Higher Education News

The Role of STEM in Community Empowerment

Our STEM investments enhance educational opportunities and catalyses improvements in…
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