The closing date for applications from the NWU is 15 June 2017 (as to provide sufficient time to the selection panel to review the applications and interview shortlisted applicants).
The bursary is available for all registered students of the university as well as academic staff members who enjoy a junior lecturer status. The focus of the Abe Bailey Trust is leadership development and the trustees wish the bursaries to be awarded to students who are academically strong and have shown exceptional qualities of leadership and service, with a good track record – not only on a campus level but also in a wider social context. This year, the travel bursary will be for the period 21 November to 16 December 2017.
Conditions of the bursary
Nominations for the bursary shall be made to the trustees of the Abe Bailey Trust after an appropriate selection process by each participating university. The following conditions are attached to the award:
- Nominees must be students of not less than three years standing or members of the NWU staff of junior lecturer status.
- Nominees must be of South African nationality and have a valid South African passport.
- Nominees must be 25 years of age – or younger, at the commencement of the tour (i.e. they must not have had their 26th birthday at the start of the tour).
- The selection committee shall ensure that the application of the selected nominee(s) is complete and contains the following information:
- Name and address
- Date of birth and nationality
- School(s) attended
- Matriculation year and results
- University (degrees)/diploma(s), courses and results
- Extra-curricular activities at school and University
- Social and community service
- A brief statement of the dates and purposes of any previous visits undertaken to the United Kingdom
- Confirmation of a valid South African passport
- A recent letter from each of three current referees reporting on character, leadership qualities and personality of the nominee
- A personal letter of motivation
All applications from the Vanderbijlpark Campus should be submitted to Mr Jacob Simango, Building 25, Office 27.
Abe Bailey – the man behind the legacy
Abe Bailey was born in Cradock, Cape Colony, in 1864. His father, a wagon maker and wool merchant, later moved with his family to Queenstown. When Bailey was only seven years old, his mother passed away, and since he had a difficult relationship with his father, Bailey spent most of his time with Dutch friends who lived nearby. He attended school in Yorkshire, England and after leaving school at the age of 15, Bailey worked in London for a cotton and wool trading firm. It was not long until he returned to South Africa, where he settled and worked as a stock broker and financial agent in Baberton.
In 1894, he had become the head of the Bailey Group of gold mines and was fast establishing himself as one of the main mining magnates on the Witwatersrand. He went on to participate in South African politics and in 1902, served in Parliament. In 1908, he represented Krugersdorp in the first Transvaal Parliamentary elections and was later known for his ability to facilitate negotiations between opposing political groups. Bailey was also active in British politics and was awarded with an order of honour for services rendered during World War One.
By 1894, he had become the head of the Bailey Group of gold mines and was fast establishing
Bailey went on to participate in South African politics and upon Rhodes' death in 1902, served as his replacement in Parliament. In 1908, he represented Krugersdorp in the first Transvaal Parliamentary elections and was later known for his ability to facilitate negotiations between opposing political groups. Bailey was also active in British politics and was awarded with an order of honour for services rendered during World War One. He did on 10 August 1940.
Sir Abe Bailey's South African legacy is demonstrated through the Abe Bailey Trust, which was created in accordance with his last will and testament. It also serves to award a travel bursary to individuals with exceptional leadership qualities, and numerous South Africans continue to benefit from this award.
