As we made our journey through the meandering N2 route in the Eastern Cape along the Kei Tuckings Mountains, we left Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the early hours of the morning. The auburn sunrise led us through the misty and cold Kei River region where we stopped for a hot coffee to awaken us for the Amathole District Municipality State of the District Address (SODA).
While at the top of the mountain, one could not ignore the sparsely placed corrugated metal roofs surrounded by evidence of subsistence farming. It was a deafening reminder of the reality that our bursary recipients are living in their hometown. Upon arrival at the Mbhashe Local Municipality Council’s Chamber, a briefing session was conducted, and all esteemed guests were treated to a selection of refreshments and snack platters to break the fast before the Amathole District Municipality SODA. Rev. Mkentane, the Amathole District Municipality Chief of Staff outlined the proceedings of the bursary handover to EST Sourcing and MaxProf before we rushed over to King Hintsa FET College to set-up all branding aids as per the District’s guidelines. We partnered with Amathole District Municipality to nominate students within the district for an opportunity to study a course of their choice.
The office of the Mayor included EST Sourcing’s bursary handover in the programme to recognise the effort to eradicate youth unemployment and increase their employability skills by enrolling disadvantaged youth in accredited institutions. MaxProf’s Eastern Cape Regional Manager, Mr. Cedric Mataka represented MaxProf and introduced the handover by explaining the reason for MaxProf to focus on investing in bursaries. He mentioned that in the past, MaxProf’s social responsibility initiatives were only limited to donating food parcels to families, soccer kits to learners that have a passion for the sport and visiting old age homes with blankets and other goodies that were essential for their livelihood.
However recently, MaxProf has restructured their Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy and partnered with EST Sourcing with the aim to make a long-term impact in communities. Cedric reiterated that as a country we are all affected by the youth’s involvement in crime and substance abuse due to peer pressure and an abundance of idle time. An opportunity to further their education contributes positively to their livelihoods and ensures that the youth are occupied with activities that will benefit their future.
Five bursary recipients studying Electrical Engineering and Public Management were called onto the stage to receive their bursary award letters. The Executive Mayor accompanied by the King of the Xhosa Kingdom, the Amathole District Municipality Chief of Staff and officials from both the Amathole District and Mbhashe Local Municipalities gave the students a handshake and words of encouragement, where after a group photo was taken as memorabilia for this auspicious event.
Proceeding further into the programme a vote of thanks and the closure of the programme were executed by the Chief Whip and the Speaker of the House respectively. Thereafter one of our bursary recipients, Ms. Siphokazi Biko was interviewed by a local radio station UCR FM, highlighting her appreciation for the bursary and what it truly means to her to be given this opportunity to further her studies. All the guests were treated to a delicious luncheon and given the opportunity to interact. A special mention to our everso-dedicated and gracious partner, Ms. Makhade who is the owner and principal of Sakhikhamva College. Ms. Makhade ensured that our 4 bursary recipients studying and staying at Sakhikhamva’s residence are supported and mentored, while consistently providing EST Sourcing with important information regarding all the students’ test and exam schedules.
