On 14 October 2017, the North-West University (NWU) welcomed representatives of the Free State Premier's Office to talk to students who received bursaries from the Free State Province Bursary Scheme.

The representatives included Ms Olifant, the executive mayor of Felizile Dabidistrict municipality on behalf of the MEC for the Department of Police, Roads and Transport, as well as Mr Thabete, head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Accompanying these eminent guests were officials from the Free State provincial government.

This bursary scheme is the largest provider of such support other than NFSAS, with more than 9 000 recipients of student bursaries for a wide range of disciplines.

Many of these students are placed for study in countries abroad such as China and Portugal and then return to South Africa to be placed in government service where needed.

Placement abroad occurs in relation to the capacity of the higher education system to absorb students after Grade 12, and also in relation to the scarcity of skills experienced in government. If students cannot be absorbed into government service, they are permitted to take up employment in any industry anywhere in South Africa without having to repay their bursaries.

This very generous support scheme makes provision for a living allowance, books, travel and fees. Students' needs are accounted for in relation to their families’ abilities to support them.

Also present at the reception were approximately 50 NWU students funded by the Free State Bursary Scheme, as well as Prof Robert Balfour, the deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning, Mr Clement Manoko, the executive director for corporate relations and marketing, and Mr Danie Hefer, the director for financial support services.

The morning was committed to listening to student experiences and queries regarding the bursaries. Alex, Patricia and Lebogang, students representing the three NWU campuses, prepared a note of thanks to the honoured guests on behalf of the students.