In 2009, Trevor Manuel, a member of the African National Congress (ANC) representing the Mitchell's Plain constituency, connected with community leaders to learn about their top priorities. They found that education and skills were the most important issues. In April 2010, they organized the Mitchell's Plain Education Summit at Glendale High School, gathering over 800 attendees, including school leaders, community groups, universities, colleges, and more. This summit led to the formation of the Mitchell's Plain Education Forum, dedicated to addressing educational challenges in the community.
Minister Manuel then pledged to work with the community to create the Mitchell's Plain Bursary and Role Model Trust. The goal was to help deserving students in Mitchell's Plain access further education. On Youth Day, June 16, 2011, they officially launched the trust at Spine Road High School. They awarded the first set of bursaries, each valued at R10,000, to 15 students from Mitchell's Plain's 2012 matriculation class. The funds were sent directly to their educational institutions.
Bursary description
The Mitchell's Plain Bursary and Role Model Trust helps students in Mitchell's Plain pay for college. They give money to students who got into colleges like the University of Cape Town, University of Stellenbosch, University of the Western Cape, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and Further Education and Training (FET) colleges. But they don't cover all the costs. They suggest students try to get more money from other sources like company bursaries, government aid from NSFAS, or loans and grants.
The most money they give is set in advance. Students who do really well in their studies can ask for more money the next year.
The Trust wants to make sure college is available to students from Mitchell's Plain. They work with local high schools to find students who are motivated, do well in school, and don't have much money. If they pick you, they'll pay your college directly and give you some support to help you succeed.
Requirements and eligibility
Be a Grade 12 learner from one of the 17 high schools in Mitchell’s Plain or be a current recipient of a bursary from the Trust;
Reside in Mitchell’s Plain;
Be academically and financially deserving;
Have a letter of support from your school principal to apply for the bursary
Meet the deadline of 30 November 2023 for completed applications.
How to apply
Decide on your study options
Pass with the required subjects and marks
Apply to tertiary institutions
Apply for a bursary
– read the requirements and conditions
– make sure you meet these requirements
– submit all documents and results required
– get and upload a letter of support from your school principal
– apply online and supply all required information
Meet the deadline for submission
Documents you will need:
A copy of applicant’s ID document
Parent(s)/guardian’s proof of income; if none please include a sworn affidavit stating this
If parent(s) are deceased, please include death certificate or sworn affidavit
Proof of residence (rates/account bill addressed to parent/guardian or sworn affidavit)
Grade 11 exam results
Grade 12 June and September exam results
A copy of the receipt for application submitted to the relevant tertiary institution
