Thuthuka bursary applications are now open

Established in 2005 by South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), the Thuthuka Bursary Fund (TBF) assists disadvantaged African and Coloured students who want to study to become CAs(SA).

A bursary fund like none other, TBF’s model covers more than just tuition, books, meals, residence fees and accommodation. The programme follows an integrated and holistic approach to ensure success, and students are also provided with ‘wrap around’ support in the form of among others:

• academic support, including various academic enrichment programmes such as additional tutorials, study skills workshops and more
• social and emotional support
• work-readiness and life skills training
• mentoring and counselling
• access to dedicated programme manager exposure to experienced chartered accountants and business leaders as mentors

This model makes TBF students more successful than their counterparts. It is also this approach that makes TBF students ready to face the challenges of the workplace.

Recently qualified CA(SA), Tokologo Makofane, confirms this when she says that with Thuthuka, “studying is literally the only thing you have to worry about.”

She is not the only person who can attest to this. To date, TBF has supported over 3 000 students and has achieved excellent results.:

• Over 1 020 Thuthuka recipients have qualified and registered as CAs(SA) – an incredible achievement, considering that it takes a minimum of seven years to qualify as a CA(SA); and
• 2 370 more are currently at various stages of the CA(SA) qualification pipeline.

Matric learners who wish to apply for the bursary must:

• be a South African citizen
• be black African or Coloured
• be either in Grade 12 or out of school (with Matric) for no more than two years
• have obtained at least 60% (5 or above on the NSC scale of achievement) in Mathematics in Grade 11 (Maths Literacy and Technical Maths learners are NOT considered)
• have enough points to qualify for university entrance and intend to study a BCom Accounting (CA-stream) degree
• have applied (or are in the process of applying) for a BCom Accounting (CA-stream) degree at a SAICA-accredited university offering the Thuthuka programme. (The full list of these universities offering the Thuthuka programme can be found on www.saica.co.za)
• come from a family that cannot financially support your tertiary education
• write and pass the National Benchmark Test (NBT) with minimum set criteria.

The application window to apply for the Thuthuka Bursary Fund for 2020 is currently open and closes at the end of June 2019. Those who wish to apply can download the application form at www.saica.co.za.

Apply today before applications close on 28 June 2019.

About SAICA SAICA, South Africa’s pre-eminent accountancy body, is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading accounting institutes. The Institute provides a wide range of support services to more than 46 000 members and associates who are chartered accountants [CAs(SA)], as well as associate general accountants (AGAs(SA)) and accounting technicians (ATs(SA)), who hold positions as CEOs, MDs, board directors, business owners, chief financial officers, auditors and leaders in every sphere of commerce and industry, and who play a significant role in the nation’s highly dynamic business sector and economic development.

About the Thuthuka Bursary Fund and Education Upliftment Project: One of SAICA’s prime goals is to contribute towards strengthening the country’s economy by playing a significant and leading role in transformation and skills development.

Thuthuka’s objective is to transform the demographics of the profession to reflect those of the country in terms of race and gender. It also provides educational support to African learners and students for the benefit of the profession, while simultaneously helping to uplift communities. Therefore, SAICA prides itself in leading the chartered accountancy profession as a socially responsible driver of business and skills development by supporting and encouraging education initiatives.

Ms Karin Jacobsen
Project Manager: Marketing and Communications
SAICA Nation Building Division
Tel: ‪011 621 6913
Email: karinj@saica.co.za

Mr Kulani Chauke
Corporate Communications Co-Ordinator
Marketing & Communications (SAICA)
Tel: 011 479 0698
Email: kulanic@saica.co.za