A total of 39 Tshwane University of Technology students were awarded bursaries totalling R700 000 for the 2019 academic year. These bursaries will help to pay the tuition and accommodation for these bursars who are studying Game Ranch Management and Nature Conservation. This follows on last year’s award of bursaries by Stud Game Breeders® of R945 000, also for 39 students.
“Transformation is critical for the sustained success of the wildlife economy in South Africa, and educational opportunities help to empower young people. Following the success of these bursars over the previous seven years, Stud Game Breeders® have, once again, awarded bursaries in the amount of R700 000, this year” said President Cyril Ramaphosa.
At present, the wildlife industry contributes 14% of the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with18 million head of game privately owned currently.
Describing the wildlife industry as the goose that lays the golden eggs for the South African economy, SGB®’s Norman Adami said: “The wildlife economy is the only truly globally competitive industry in the country, which has an immense impact on revenue generation rooted in tourism and trade in game products.”
“The wildlife industry has so much untapped market potential. With so much talk about the impact of the fourth industrial revolution, we should not lose sight of the role it plays in food security and job creation. It is the only industry that meets the natural skills of people, which is really important for job creation, especially in rural areas,” he continued.
Background
Administered by the SGB Transformation Fund, the funds for these bursaries were raised by a remarkable auction, the proceeds of which are committed and support transformation in the wildlife industry. Each of the Stud Game Breeders® members contributed to the special package of Springbuck that was auctioned at Phala Phala in September last year.
The final bid came from Mr. Dino Chouest and Mr. Angus Sholto-Douglas of Kwandwe Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. They were heartily congratulated by the industry and sincerely thanked by Stud Game Breeders© for their generous support.
Members of Stud Game Breeders© as well as Mr. Angus Sholto-Douglas of Kwandwe attended this morning’s bursar function at TUT.
The names of the deserving SGB bursars are:
Happiness is … receiving a generous bursary from the Stud Game Breeders® in recognition of your dedication and efforts. A group of 39 students studying Game Ranch Management and Nature Conservation yesterday received bursaries to the value of R700 000.
Kopano Lesufi
Morongwa Madisha
Abrinah Mahlaba
Olebogeng Makgoke
Jeaneth Maliyane
Nolwazi Malobola
Jake Hill
Michelle Masanabo
Linah Mashala
Samantha Mashele
Nothando Mazibuko
Marco Michau
Manqoba Mkhwanazi
Lunga Mlambo
Thabang Mmekwa
Dilano Girodo
Kutlwano Moeketsi
Portia Mokgoshi
Mokete Molebatsi
Isaac Molefe
Popo Mosehle
Kabelo Moselane
Lesedi Mothupi
Agnes Mphahlele
Muthu Mulaudzi
Muneiwa Mundalamo
Xolani Ngwenya
Londy Nkwane
Karabo Ramalekane
Rieghardt Du Preez
Eudy Ramalepe
Aobakwe Ranta
Lebogang Sekgobane
Emely Senwamadi
Sarita Fredrikson
Nondumiso Shongwe
Girl-again Thabethe
Busisiwe Tshabalala
Marinus Burger
The members of Stud Game Breeders® comprise:
Johan & Nadien Bosch of Dinaka
Jacques & Carolien Malan of Lumarie
Norman Adami of Nyumbu
President Cyril & Tshepo Ramaphosa of Phala Phala
Edwin & Heleen Claassen of Shelanti
Tony & Richard Morton of Tembani