The Thuthuka Bursary Fund Scheme is a transformation initiative established by the SA Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) aimed at encouraging previously disadvantaged African and Coloured school learners to pursue a career in the South African Chartered Accountancy [CA (SA)] profession. “Thuthuka” is a Zulu word which means “to develop” – the Thuthuka bursary programme encompasses this meaning: it aims to develop students for the purpose of transforming South Africa’s business leadership demographically.
The support offered to Thuthuka bursary programme recipients includes the following financial support:
- Full tuition fees (for each consecutive year that is successfully completed);
- Accommodation;
- Books & Stationery;
- Meals;
- Living and travel allowances; and
- Other support.
In addition to the financial support, Thuthuka bursary programme recipients also receive invaluable non-financial ‘wrap-around’ support in the form of:
- Academic support – this includes various ‘value added’ interventions such as additional tutorials (study sessions), study skills workshops and individual consultation sessions;
- Social and emotional support;
- Work-readiness and life skills training;
- Mentoring and counselling;
- Assistance with ‘administrative matters’, such as registration and accommodation; and
- Exposure to experienced Chartered Accountants and business leaders.
The success of the Thuthuka bursary programme offered by the University of the Free State is evident from the high throughput rates attained by the bursary recipients as well as the accomplishments of graduates of the programme. These results can be attributed to, among others, our Thuthuka bursary recipients being part of a ‘Thuthuka family’ where they are individually developed and cared for, the quality of the academic programme offered, as well as the effectiveness of the ‘wrap around’ support that is on offer.
For more information about the UFS Thuthuka bursary programme, contact:
Thuthuka bursary programme administrator:
Mammuso Matshitse
T: +27 51 401 3213
E: MatshitseRM@ufs.ac.za