Tsabedze Foundation to expand bursary scheme

By Thebe Mabanga.

The Tsabedze Family Foundation, headed by Senzo and Thenjiwe Tsabedze, who are the Chairman and CEO of Afrirent Holdings respectively, plans to expand its bursary scheme beyond university students to cover those seeking technical skills and qualifications.

The bursary currently covers the entire period of a qualification for tuition fees, books, residence and a monthly stipend.

Senzo and Thenjiwe preside over Afrirent Holdings, a black-owned and managed diversified company with interests in fleet management, logistics, hotels and leisure, gaming and has recently expanded into auctioneering and property development.

The Foundation is set to assist a total of 14 learners through full bursaries across various fields of study in institutions across South Africa. Last year the Foundation spent a total of R 2,1 million on 18 students.

“The Foundation was founded in 2022 with the objective of restoring the dignity of people and we believe that through education, even if we assist one child in a family, they can ultimately change the narrative about their families’ backgrounds,” says Thenjiwe Tsabedze.

“It is a privilege to be able to assist individuals to realise their full potential in their chosen field of study. The journey that we travel with our bursars is nothing short of remarkable,” she adds.

Tsabedze says beneficiaries can either work for Afrirent should they choose and their field of study allows or they can pursue their careers elsewhere.

Bursary recipients include a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Cape Town who has already secured employment as well as a sixth year medicine student at  the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Other recipients are in fields such as Biological and Accounting Sciences, Information and Communication Technology and Human Resources as well as Electrical Engineering and a Grade 12 learner enrolled at Glen Austin High in Midrand. This year’s two new enrolments are candidates in media studies and law.

Tsabedze says the Foundation would now like to broaden its bursary scheme base of beneficiaries by offering bursaries for people who would like to complete short courses and acquire skills such as drivers’ licences as well as technical and vocational skills such as plumbing and artisans.

“Technical skills are in high demand and can be monetised relatively quickly through employment opportunities. We are keen to aid those who would like to pursue this avenue,” says Tsabedze.

Tsabedze says these bursary recipients will be assisted with placement either within Afrirent or through associated companies and suppliers.

Afrirent employs about 850 people across its subsidiaries.

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