NUM established the JB Marks Education Trust Fund in 1997 with the aim of empowering its members and their dependents, particularly graduates entering the mining and related sectors. The fund is named after John Beaver Marks, a prominent figure in the mineworkers' fight against exploitation. Marks was a vocal proponent of education as a means of empowerment and a crucial weapon in the battle against poverty.
During its initial year, the trust was only able to provide assistance to 53 beneficiaries. However, the trust's scope has expanded significantly since then. In 2017, a significant milestone was achieved when the trust became a fully self-administered fund.
Bursary description
The JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary strives to empower and uplift members of the NUM (National Union of Mineworkers) and their families by extending financial aid for tertiary education within the mining, energy, and construction sectors. The fund is dedicated to facilitating higher education pursuits and places particular emphasis on aiding individuals who may face financial constraints in their quest for professional qualifications and rewarding careers. Although the trust occasionally provides support to students in grades 10 to 12, its primary focus remains on assisting learners who are pursuing degrees and various tertiary qualifications at universities, colleges, and technikons.
Requirements and eligibility
To be eligible for funding from the JB Marks Education Trust Fund, you must meet the following requirements:
You must either be a member of NUM or a dependent of a NUM member (including children and spouses).
You must be enrolled in an undergraduate qualification.
You must be studying at a recognized and registered public tertiary institution in South Africa, such as a university, university of technology, or college. Please note that students from private institutions will not be considered for funding.
You must not currently be receiving any other form of financial assistance.
The following supporting documentation is required with every application (manual and online), should the applicant fail to produce ALL the supporting documentation required, their application will not be considered:
1. Union members payslip (for verification purposes).
2. Certified copy of applicant’s latest school results.
3. Certified ID copies of both the applicant and the union member.
4. Acceptance letter from the tertiary institution or letter verifying your application with the institution.
How to apply
You will need to apply online.
You will need to submit the following supporting documentation when you apply online:
Union member/official's payslip (to verify your eligibility)
Certified copy of latest academic results
Certified copies of applicant and union member/official's ID documents
Acceptance letter from university
Motivation letter (post graduate studies)
Kindly note that we do not accept applications submitted via email. If your application is successful, the JB Marks office will contact you via an acceptance letter sent to your email, physical, or postal address. Additionally, a list of successful applicants will be forwarded to NUM branches across the country.
In the event that you do not receive any communication from the JB Marks Education Trust Fund office by the end of December, it means that your application was unsuccessful.
