Thohoyandou - The Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo has set aside R3.5 million to help impoverished matriculants who want to further their studies.
District mayor Florence Dzhombere made the announcement in Thohoyandou this week.
"We have established this bursary fund to assist learners who passed their Grade 12 year and qualify to further their studies," she said. "These learners should come from poor families that are unable to help them access tertiary education due to poverty."
Dzhombere said the bursary would cover tuition fees, books and accommodation. It will only be awarded for studies related to civil, electrical, mining and chemical engineering, auditing, financial accounting, economics and business management related to tourism, agriculture and mining.
"The learners should show consistency in good performance while their parents must be unemployed or classified as indigent," she said.
Dzhombere said those who want to apply must either be in Grade 12 this year or in possession of a matric certificate from any other year.
She said preference would be given to those who have passed mathematics, physical science, technology and commercial subjects.
"Successful recipients will be subjected to working for the municipality for at least two years, unless the district fails to offer employment," said Dzhombere.
Successful applicants will be encouraged to pursue their studies the University of Venda, University of Limpopo, University of South Africa, Tshwane University of Technology's Polokwane Campus, Madzivhandila Agricultural College and Vhembe FET College.
Application forms are available at the mayor's office and the closing date is 18 January.
