The Tiso Foundation is a public benefit organization that focuses on supporting youth education, development and leadership. Established in 2001 and launched in 2005, the Foundation became an independent entity when the Tiso Group founders dedicated a significant portion of their shares to establish an organization that actively develops African potential and talent through quality education.The Foundation's values include African excellence, value-based and holistic support to deserving students, partnership and collaboration with leading South African and international institutions, a dedicated drive towards unlocking and developing future leaders, and the establishment of a self-sufficient African philanthropic organization.
The Foundation was one of the principal and founding shareholders of the Tiso Group and became a principal shareholder in Kagiso Tiso Holdings after Tiso Group merged with Kagiso Trust Investments. The Foundation's founders aimed to create a leading pan-African investment holding company owned and managed by African professionals, while also enabling the creation of a self-sustainable, independent Foundation that ensures previously disadvantaged youth and communities benefit from the company's commercial endeavors without dependence.
The Foundation is a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) that prioritizes support for the development of black youth, whose future fortunes are tied to the future of the country. To date, the Foundation has reached over 42,000 lives and invested over R100 million in educational and skills development programs. The Foundation offers value-based and holistic support to deserving students and partners with leading institutions, with the goal of unlocking and developing future leaders.
Bursary description
Undergraduate Bursary
The Tiso Foundation, in collaboration with several South African universities, is committed to identifying and supporting deserving, previously disadvantaged individuals who have demonstrated talent and determination in their academic pursuits through their Undergraduate Bursary Programme. The Foundation provides participants with the necessary guidance and resources to help them achieve their academic goals and pursue meaningful careers that will have a positive and lasting impact on their lives, communities, and the country. Scholarships are granted to underprivileged youth from marginalised communities who meet the selection criteria.
Throughout the programme, beneficiaries receive life skills training and academic support. Upon completion, the Foundation assists the most promising students in accessing career opportunities through its network of corporate and institutional relationships.
The programme aims:
To promote equity in the workplace by supporting strong black students to acquire the necessary academic qualifications
To help address the skills shortage in the economy
To address challenges of poverty through the avenue of human capital development.
Requirements and eligibility
The criteria for selection include a strong academic record, either through excellent matric results or academic performance at university, as well as a commitment to their studies and a willingness to participate actively in community upliftment programs. The selection process is highly competitive, with only the most promising students being awarded the bursaries.
Since its establishment, the Foundation has provided funding for over 90 students pursuing degrees and national diplomas at accredited higher learning institutions. Moving forward, the Foundation aims to support 65 students annually through partnerships with various stakeholders.
Candidates must meet these selection criteria:
Must be between the ages of 18 and 34
Students must be South African citizens
You must be from the previously disadvantaged groups as outlined by the South African government (Black, Coloured or Indian)
Must be in possession of excellent matric results with a minimum average of 70%.
Must produce excellent results if already registered as a full-time student with a minimum of 65% average.
Must be financially needy and unemployed.
Must portray and excellent positive attitude.
Must be dedicated to their studies.
Must provide references.
Must be willing to give back to the community.
How to apply
Applications for the 2023 TISO Foundation Undergraduate Bursary are closed and will reopen for 2024 later this year.
Visit the provided website below to access the application:
