The South African Statistical Association (SASA) has announced the winner of its 2024/25 Honours Bursary Competition. Relebohile Makhanya, a student from North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, has been awarded the bursary valued at R50 000.

The competition is open to third-year students in statistics or mathematical statistics who plan to pursue honours studies at a South African university. It aims to support academic progress and address financial need in the field.

The SASA Honours Bursary is awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement and commitment to the discipline of statistics. According to SASA, the R50 000 bursary is part of its broader efforts to support students who plan to continue with postgraduate studies.

Relebohile recently completed her BCom degree in statistics at the NWU and is currently registered for an honours degree in business statistics. She said receiving the bursary has eased the financial pressure of postgraduate study and strengthened her motivation to continue.

“I am more than grateful for this opportunity. It motivates me to keep working hard, knowing that dedication truly pays off and that the sky is the limit,” she said. “This bursary has reaffirmed my belief in the power of perseverance and self-confidence.”

Once she has completed her honours, Relebohile intends to pursue further postgraduate studies and contribute to research and professional work in business statistics.

From left are Prof Martin Chanza, Prof Volition Montshiwa, Prof Tshepiso Tsoku and Relebohile Makhanya.