Three first year DUT students have received bursaries from the Department of Mineral Resources…

Three first year DUT students have received bursaries from the Department of Mineral Resources. The Director of Human Resources Development in the Department of Mineral Resources, Headman Mbiko awarded the recipients funding to complete four years of study at DUT. The lucky recipients of the bursaries were Themba Nhlapo for Electrical Power Engineering, Lindokuhle Ntombela for Chemical Engineering and Nomthandazo Ngcobo for Chemical Engineering.

Mbiko said there was a shortage of skilled people in the mining industry and there was a dire need for young people to be given opportunities. “South Africa has the third largest mining industry in the world and therefore there is an urgency to recruit young talent.” Mbiko said.

Lindokuhle Ntombela spoke on behalf of the students and said, “It is great to receive such a prestigious bursary and thank you to government for taking the initiative to develop skills of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

DUT’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Ahmed Bawa said, “The University is very pleased to have the Department of Mineral Resources award the deserving candidates bursaries. It is a reflection of the importance of building partnerships between DUT and government. This is the start of further engagements.”

During their study period government will also assist with experiential learning for the students in mines followed by a two year internship programme.

Pic 1- Prof Ahmed C. Bawa and Headman Mbiko, Director of Human Resources in the Department of Mineral Resources
Pic 2 – Prof Bawa, Themba Nhlapo (student electrical power engineering) and Headman Mbiko
Pic 3 – Prof Bawa, Lindokuhle Ntombela ( student chemical engineering) and Headman Mbiko
Pic 4 – Prof Bawa, Nomthandazo Ngcobo ( student chemical engineering) and Headman Mbiko