Masakh'iSizwe Bursary Programme: Student support programmes

As part of the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme, student support goes beyond financial support and helps students to cope socially and academically.

Mentoring:  Social adjustment

The Masakh'iSizwe Bursary Programme supports and assists first-year students:

• To adjust to academic demands and the social, personal and university lifestyle.
• To overcome challenges that the university presents.
• To make informed decisions about future plans.
• To build the necessary skills to achieve academic and personal success.

Mentoring:  Academic support

Students are not always prepared for the academic challenges and demands of Higher Education Institutions. It is not unusual for students to experience the academic gap between secondary and higher education. The Masakh'iSizwe Bursary Programme offers academic support services (i.e.  private and/or group tutorial classes) which will:

• Build and empower students with skills.
• Provide assistance, which is of quality, consistent and appropriate to university standards.
• Enhance students’ academic performance to meet academic needs.

Employability skills

Employment orientated skills make the graduate employable and competitive in the labour market. Employability skills include, amongst others:

• Driving lessons.
• CV writing.
• Report writing.
• Proficiency in English.

Outreach Programme

Masakh’iSizwe bursars are expected to empower learners in underprivileged communities with skills and education that will enhance disciplines pertaining to mathematics, science, engineering and technology.

Student health and wellness

The bursary offers health and wellness services to students to promote and instil a healthy lifestyle so that they can achieve academic goals and lifelong wellness creating awareness on issues such as the following:

• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Cholesterol
• High blood pressure etc.

In-service training

The Graduate Placement/Professional Development Programme places students within the Department of Infrastructure and various private sector companies to complete their in-service training.

Students who are developed holistically usually thrive and feel better equipped to manage their health