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20 July 2004

When the new government took over after the first democratic elections, it soon become clear to the Northern Cape Provincial Government that there was a serious shortage of skills and professionals in the province.

This reality led to the formation of the Northern Cape Premier’s Education Trust Fund, which was geared towards providing financial assistance to students from the Northern Cape who wished to pursue their studies at institutions of higher learning.

Addressing members of the Board of Trustees in Kimberley last night, Premier Dipuo Peters announced that the provincial government has allocated R6,5 million for bursaries for Northern Cape students. She added that even though she is pleased with the number of graduates and diplomas produced through the programme, a lot still needs to be done.

To date, 327 students have completed their studies and 250 of them have been employed and 77 remain unemployed. She called on the board to device an ‘exit strategy’ for students, so that they can be employed after completing their studies.

Peters indicated that it would be critical for the board to ensure that pupils study in fields required by the economic realities on the ground. Peters also called on the Board to make every effort possible to encourage the San communities in the province to access the bursary to improve their educational levels.

Zodwa Thebeyapelo
Media Liason Officer
Premier’s Office
Cell: 082 866 3670

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Northern Cape Provincial Government
20 July 2004