The Maize Trust was established in August 1998 to promote the South African maize industry after the closure of the Maize Board. Its primary aim is to financially support institutions and organisations that conduct market and production-related research in the industry. Additionally, the Trust also funds the assimilation and dissemination of market information to broaden market access for the benefit of the maize industry.
The Trust's mission is to continuously enhance the entire maize industry in South Africa and establish it as a regional leader and international competitor.
The Trust comprises six Trustees who serve for two years. Three of them are appointed by specific maize industry sectors, while the remaining three are appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
Since its inception, the Maize Trust has provided considerable funding to numerous organizations and institutions involved in research, development, and information programs in the South African maize industry. The Maize Trust currently funds its transformation projects mainly through the Maize Trust Bursary Scheme, Farmer Development Programme of Grain SA, SAGRA, and the late Grain Farmer Development Association (GFADA).
Bursary description
The Maize Trust provides bursaries for MSc and PhD applicants. The bursaries for MSc applicants amount to R99 750,00 per annum for two years, while the bursaries for PhD applicants amount to R131 250,00 per annum for three years. The bursaries are paid out based on submitted and approved progress reports from both the student and their supervisor.
Requirements and eligibility
The Maize Trust is offering postgraduate bursaries for those who wish to further their studies within the maize industry. To apply for the bursary, applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Applicants must be admitted to study full-time at an institution of their choice.
The Maize Trust bursaries are only available for Masters and Doctoral studies.
The field of study must be relevant to the South African maize industry.
Successful applicants cannot receive funding from alternative sources or accept any other study-related funding without explicit prior permission from the Trust.
The Maize Trust must approve the proposal for the dissertation/thesis before commencing studies.
Applicants must submit a completed application form, a certified copy of a South African identity document/passport, an updated curriculum vitae, the latest academic transcript/record on an official letterhead, and proof of registration and a fee statement (if available) upon application.
A formal bursary agreement must be concluded with the Maize Trust if a bursary is awarded.
The University where the study will be undertaken must designate a supervisor for the study programme and must be approved by the Maize Trust.
Applicants are responsible for informing their supervisor that they are required to register with the particular Bursary Scheme on the Maize Trust website.
Applicants must work in the South African maize industry for the same period for which the bursary was awarded.
The Maize Trust will determine the annual bursary amounts each year.
The deadline for bursary applications is 1 October 2024.
