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Education is a priority, with Newcastle Municipality‘s leadership determined to see that the community’s youth benefit from the life-changing gift of tertiary education.
The Newcastle Mayoral Bursary Ceremony was held at the Farmer’s Hall on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. The Mayoral Bursary is an annual initiative in which the Mayor’s Office assists numerous young people from Newcastle with the registration fees required to enrol in their preferred tertiary institute.
With 157 recipients chosen for the program this year, Wednesday’s ceremony underlined the efforts of Newcastle Mayor Xolani Dube, Deputy Mayor Musa Thwala, Newcastle Municipality’s Speaker, Thengi Zulu, and other councillors in making the bursaries a reality.
Cllr Dube explains that the first step in planning the initiative was difficult. “When we started the project, I was told that there was not enough money for it. But I knew we had to invest in the future of Newcastle, which you all are,” he told the beneficiaries.
Money for registration fees was secured and allocated due to his and his team’s hard work.
The 157 recipients were chosen from among Newcastle’s 34 wards, ensuring that the selection process was as transparent as possible. Cllr Dube stressed the importance of taking the bursaries seriously as he handed out payments confirmation letters, and certificates of appreciation to the learners.
“As the Municipality, we have given you the key to building a new future for yourselves, which is what the registration fees are. But it is now up to you to take the key with both hands.”
He also reminded the students that the future was not a place where they would eventually end up. “The future is something we have to make and build.”
Adding to this, Cllr Thwala pointed out, “Most families are not rich. Some of us have to go without food. Because of this, you need to thank God that you have the opportunity to get an education from a tertiary institute.”
Additionally, he said, numerous people are unable to further their studies. He further reminded the learners to remain focused during their studies and not to take the situation for granted.
Newcastle Mayor, Cllr Xolani Dube 
Newcastle Municipality Deputy Mayor, Cllr Musa Thwala 
Former Amajuba District Mayor, Dr Musa Ngubane 
“Don’t forget where you come from. No family is born rich to give handouts. This is an opportunity to grab and use properly. If you are uneducated, you will look for shortcuts, but in life there are no shortcuts. There is only the right way of doing things.”
Former Amajuba District Mayor Dr Musa Ngubane added, “Where you are now, the skies the limit. So run with it, and take it upon yourselves to be the change you want to see in the world.”
Chatting to the students, we asked just what this means for them?
Shanir Lallo explains that the bursary is more than just a registration fee for him. “I want to study system development at Boston, as it is the way of the future. The bursary will help me and my family a lot, as it will help me achieve my goals.”
Shanir’s long-term goals include advancing his career and, eventually, starting his own business. “I can then possibly help other students with bursaries and see them succeed as well.”
Akhona Mchunu explains that she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities, Psychology, and Society at North-West University. “This bursary will require me to work hard, but it will also provide me with the opportunity to better myself and make my family and community proud.”
When she graduates, Akhona plans to return to Newcastle and use her skills to better the community.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Malcolm X
What do you think about the Mayoral Bursary program? Share your views in the comment section below.
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Well done