The National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industries (NBCEI) Launches a Bursary Initiative for Dependents of Employees in the Electricity Industry

• Two hundred dependents of electricity contractors to benefit from the newly launched bursary

Johannesburg, South Africa – In response to the growing student debt crisis affecting South Africa’s higher education system, the National Council of the Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industries (NBCEI) is launching a transformative study assistance programme aimed at alleviating the financial burdens faced by students pursuing further education.

Founded by the Electricity Contractors Association South Africa ECA(SA) and the South African Electrical Workers Association (SAEWA), the Bargaining Council is launching the bursary initiative to provide financial support to the dependents of active employees, employers, and even the families of deceased and former employees and employers in the electricity industry. The funding will be distributed based on academic merit and regional criteria, helping students who are striving to make a difference despite the heavy financial strain that continues to impact the country’s educational landscape.

The bursary programme, valued at R2 million is set to support learners completing their Matric exams in 2024 and future years, with the assistance to be allocated for up to five years. The initiative is designed to directly address the unequal distribution of student debt, with the goal of promoting equal educational opportunities for students from varying socio-economic backgrounds.

Mogomotsi Mark Mfikoe, National Director at ECA(SA), expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This milestone excites me, and I am proud that as a workers’ association, we are playing our part in helping students reach their goals. We have found a model that works for us, and we will continue building on it to unlock the potential of South Africa’s youth.”

Mfikoe also reflected on his own personal educational struggles: “This reminds me of my journey through education, where I was supported by my siblings. I understand the challenges many students face, and I am fortunate to have had support that others might not have. This is why I’m so thrilled that we are able to make R2 million available to help the dependents of employees and employers. I want to thank our partners at SAEWA and the ECA(SA) for making this possible. This partnership not only helps workers and employers but extends its positive impact to the children of our industry. We will celebrate this moment for years to come, and I look forward to expanding this fund in the future.”

The criteria for applicants include:

• The applicant must be a child of an active employee or employer in the electricity industry, or a child of a deceased former employee or employer.
• The applicant must have been admitted to a tertiary institution or a post-Matric higher learning institution.

Applications for the bursary will open as soon as this year’s Matric results are released. Eligible students are encouraged to send their applications to Hlophekazi@nbcei.co.za.

The application deadline is 30 January 2025, and successful applicants will be notified by 7 February 2025.
The partnership between ECA(SA) and SAEWA spans over five decades and together, these organisations have built one of the country’s most influential and effective bargaining councils. The success of this partnership has also led to the creation of the inaugural Electricity Expo Africa, a groundbreaking event bringing together installers, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and regulators to exchange innovative solutions aimed at addressing Africa’s energy crisis.

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Author: Zylvah Makola from ZYLO-N Communications on behalf of The National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industries (NBCEI).

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