Transformation through empowerment, Tata invests in education

November 30, 2018

In an effort to transform, empower and impact the lives of students in South Africa, Tata Africa awarded scholarships to deserving students across South African Universities through the months of September and October 2018, as part of the Tata Scholarship initiative.

The Tata Scholarship recognises top-performing postgraduate students who have met the requisite criteria. The programme aides Honours, Masters and PhD students in their respective fields of Science, Chemistry, Medical Science, Agriculture and Commerce. In total, the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) received an amount of R475,000 for 11 students; the University of Witwatersrand (WITS) received R740,000 for 19 students; and the University of Kwazulu Natal (UKZN) received R770,000 for 11 students.

Addressing students and representatives at UKZN, Head of Finance and Accounts at Tata Africa Holdings, Mr Rolf Ramakers highlighted the objectives of the programme. “Our scholarships are there so that students have the opportunity to focus on their studies without the need to supplement their education funding by taking up extra employment. The Tata Postgraduate Scholarships have become a key feature of the group’s Corporate Social Responsibility programmes and aim to contribute to the country’s objective of increasing the number of postgraduate scholars primed to take up leadership positions in business, government, and civil society.”

Speaking at the WITS award ceremony for recipients, Director of Post Graduate Affairs at WITS Professor Robert Mupone thanked Tata Africa for their annual commitment and investment in South African students. “On behalf of WITS management, I would like to thank Tata for the commitment they have shown over the years in growing postgraduate scholarships, talent and their investment in what matters most for a society”.

The Tata Scholarship initiative is in line with the values of Tata companies in Africa which promote the social and economic development of local communities through education, entrepreneurship and health initiatives. Since its inception in 2006, over 250 students have benefitted.

Tata International congratulates all the recipients’ and wishes to see them progress and make a difference in their communities. Tata Africa’s resolve and commitment is to continue our cooperation with all the universities we have partnered with, in order to ensure that these scholarships continue for generations to come.

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