Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu Scholarship Fund

Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund
 
“My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom. Tell my people that I love them and that they must continue the fight.”- Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, 6 April 1979
 
Background:
 
In its quest to address the challenge of youth unemployment, access to education and shortage of scarce skills, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is offering the scholarship to youth under 35 years of age to give them an opportunity to study at public universities or university of technologies across South Africa.
 
To support this new strategic focus, the NYDA established the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund (SMSF). The Fund seeks to avail financial support to youth to enable them to pursue quality education in an institution of higher learning with youth in rural areas as primary target.

The scholarship fund was established in honour of Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu who at the age of 23, was executed under the apartheid laws after being wrongfully accused of murder and terrorism. Fearing crowd reaction at the funeral, police decided to bury Mahlangu in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.

The scholarship fund is designed to create an environment for affording youth with excellent academic background, an opportunity to further their studies. Financial support will be provided to youth who pursue full-time degrees that fall within the priority growth sectors, critical and scarce skills areas outlined in the labor planning frameworks of the country.

The fund will be accessible to deserving South African youth who meet the minimum entry requirements set by the NYDA and, who have been admitted for study at public Universities and Universities of Technology.
 
Objectives of The Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund:
- To provide financial support to youth in the form of scholarships to increase their chances of accessing quality higher education in their field of study.
- To increase chances of employability or entrepreneurship based on the positive correlation between level of education and employability.
- Empower the youth (under 35 years) with education to enable them to compete favourably in the labourmarket.
- Contribute to the development of critical and scarce skills

Eligibility Criteria

        • Students must be applying for admission to one of the public universities as a 1st year full-time student in a priority study (see below).
        • High school learners who plan to attend one of the public universities or universities of technology after completing the National Senior Certificate
        • Must meet University Admission Points Score (APS) and achieve an average of 70% in the NSC exams
        • Must be South African citizens under 35
        • Financial neediness - combined household income of less than R15 000 a month
        • Reside in rural/semi-rural areas/townships

Priority of Study

Full-time degrees that fall within the priority growth sectors, critical and scarce skills areas outlined in the labour planning framework of the country. Full-time degrees that fall within the priority growth sectors, critical and scarce skills areas outlined in the labour planning framework of the country.

Applications for the Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu Scholarship Fund are currently closed! 




The following costs are covered by the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship:

  • Tuition
  • Accommodation (thresholds apply)
  • Meals
  • Study Books/equipment  (thresholds apply)

1. What is the difference between a Bursary and a Scholarship?

A scholarship is a financial award granted to a student on the basis of the student’s academic or sporting excellence. A Bursary is a financial award granted to a student on the basis of the student’s financial neediness. For the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund, the student has to produce proof that his/ her parent(s) or guardian(s) are not in a position to afford paying for tertiary education (earn under R15 000 household income per month).
 
2. How many people will benefit from the scholarship?

A total of about 150 students will benefit from the scholarship starting in 2018. About 300 students from previous intakes are still on the scholarship.
 
3. How do I submit my application?

You can submit your application online via the NYDA website or send a printed completed form to the address given in 'applications'. NO faxing or direct submissions to universities or NYDA offices.            
 
4. Can I submit my application form at an NYDA branch as it is closest to where I stay?

No. You can either apply online or send your manual form to the address provided.
 
5. Can I use my mid-year Grade 12 or Grade 11 results to apply for scholarship fund?

Yes, but you will also have to attach or send your matric certificate once you receive it.
 
6. Will the funding from the scholarship also assist me with my registration fee that is required at the beginning of the academic year?

No.
 
7. Why is the academic achievement set at 70% average?

A scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic excellence. Most funders will require an average of 80% or more however the NYDA is a youth development agency, it is targeting youth who have potential who are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
 
8. Does the scholarship roll over (automatically renews itself) for the duration of my studies?
 
The scholarship is awarded for the duration of your studies. However NYDA will only renew the scholarship if the student has passed all of his/ her major subjects.
 
9. What are the conditions for me to retain my scholarship once it has been awarded to me?