The city of Klerksdorp which serves as the seat for the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, is well on its way to developing into a city that is on par with other provincial capitals. One can see the growth of their economy through the construction of shopping malls, the bustling central business district and a newly approved solar energy project that will supply more than 25 000 households with electricity annually, thereby minimising the current loadshedding challenge that South Africa is afflicted with.
It is therefore important that the youth of the City of Matlosana are equipped with the necessary skills to make valuable contributions to the City and its economy, as well as having the support and buy-in of leaders.
MaxProf and EST Sourcing recognise the importance of maintaining symbiotic relationships with stakeholders that will assist in building a sustainable economy for the City of Matlosana. MaxProf is a key driver in this initiative, by funding the bursary programme for the City of Matlosana via EST Sourcing. MaxProf upholds a holistic business strategy by providing VAT and Tax Optimisation services that improve the municipality’s operating cashflow, providing a CSR initiative that benefits the communities in which they operate, contributing directly to the local economic activity and ensuring a future benefit to the municipality. The mayoral college tour hosted by MaxProf and EST Sourcing in partnership with Vuselela TVET College and the City of Matlosana is one such initiative that will allow us to comprehend the needs of the various stakeholders that are involved in this value chain.
Upon arrival at Vuselela TVET College on 6 December 2022, MaxProf and EST Sourcing met with the institution’s Director of Student Registration and Financial Aid Services, Mrs Augustine Au. In her interview, Mrs Au stated that although her interaction with the two companies had been brief thus far, she would like to have a long-term relationship with MaxProf and EST Sourcing. She mentioned that although NSFAS is the largest funder of disadvantaged students, there is a gap which is often overlooked. She states that the bursary programme offered by MaxProf and EST Sourcing in partnership with the City of Matlosana Local Municipality is a noble initiative, as it compensates for the missing middle. This was followed by a Bursary award ceremony at Vuselela TVET College in the Klerksdorp CBD. Along with Ms Au, Vuselela TVET College’s Principal, Ms Priscilla Malehoko and the Registrations and Bursary Clerk, Mr Mooi Maretloa, were joined by the Municipality’s Mayor, Cllr Nonhlupheko Tsolela and a local Pastor who commenced the proceedings with a prayer. The Principal, Ms Malehoko, reiterated that the day was aimed at celebrating the confirmation of financial assistance for the selected eleven incumbents. She directed the following message to the students,
Work smart, achieve good results, and maintain excellent performance
– Ms Malehoko
She closed by saying, that Vuselela TVET College is an institution which addresses accredited skills, occupational programmes, and imparts knowledge to students enabling them to build a future and start their own businesses. She then introduced the concept of starting a “Co-Op” to the students, whereby they identify skills amongst their peers which will be of benefit to each other and learn to save money, instead of spending it frivolously.
Next to address the audience, was EST Sourcing CEO, Mrs Renusha Ramdas who expressed her excitement returning to the City of Matlosana for a second time to award more bursaries to learners in the community. During the first visit which took place in August 2022, MaxProf together with EST Sourcing and the City of Matlosana awarded 17 bursaries to much deserving students. Mrs Ramdas was pleased to award an additional 11 bursaries worth R 61,000. She too spoke on the importance of collaboration between private sector institutions, local municipalities, and skills development and training institutions such as Vuselela TVET College with the aim of uplifting the community. She concluded by saying,
To the students, we have given you the opportunity and it is time for you to make it a success
– Mrs Ramdas
Following Mrs Ramdas’ speech was Boitshoko Kediutlwile, one of the bursary recipients who thanked the respective stakeholders for the opportunity. She stated that with the burden of finances lifted off her shoulders, she was in a better position to direct much needed focus to her studies and that investing in the youth positively affects the entire community.
The Mayor of the City of Matlosana then took to stage, in his speech, he cited a discussion he had been involved in regarding the disparity and discrimination against “university graduates” and graduates from other institutions. The Mayor stated that to him, having a background plagued by poverty should not impact the quality of education that the learners receive. After they have completed their qualifications, they too are proud graduates, and he is grateful that credible institutions such as Vuselela TVET College are helping to close the gap by offering quality, affordable skills development, and training to the community’s future leaders.
This was an inspiring event for all, and we hope to make a return to the City of Matlosana Local Municipality to distribute more bursaries to deserving students.
From left to right: City of Matlosana Executive Mayor, Cllr Nonhlupheko James Tsolela, Mr Dano Wepener (HOO, MaxProf), Mrs Renusha Ramdas (EST Sourcing)
It was an honour for MaxProf and EST Sourcing to return to the City of Matlosana for a second time to award additional bursaries
