SIOC-CDT: Bursary in Northern Cape

The Sishen Iron Ore Company-Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) is a non-profit organization established in 2006, driven by the commitment to contribute to the development of communities associated with the operations of SIOC (PTY) LTD. The latter is a subsidiary of Kumba Iron Ore (KIO) (PTY) LTD, a prominent player in the mining industry.

Mission and Vision: SIOC-CDT’s mission revolves around investing in the well-being and development of communities where SIOC operates. By providing bursaries and support, the trust aims to uplift individuals and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the Northern Cape and Limpopo provinces.

Educational Initiatives: A significant aspect of SIOC-CDT’s community development strategy is its commitment to education. The trust has a commendable record of offering hundreds of bursaries to deserving and underprivileged students. This support extends to various fields of study, encompassing agriculture, business management, education, engineering, health sciences, information technology, law, and tourism.

Geographical Presence: SIOC-CDT operates within multiple municipal jurisdictions in the Northern Cape and one in the Limpopo province. The specific beneficiary areas include Gamagara Local Municipality, Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality, Tsantsabane Local Municipality, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, and Thabazimbi Local Municipality. This geographical focus underscores the trust’s commitment to making a tangible impact on the communities closest to its operations.

Partnership with SIOC (PTY) LTD: SIOC-CDT is an initiative that stems from the Sishen Iron Ore Company SIOC (PTY) LTD. This collaboration underscores a holistic approach to corporate social responsibility, where the mining company actively participates in community development through the establishment of a dedicated trust.

Community Development Initiatives: Apart from the bursary program, SIOC-CDT likely engages in various community development initiatives. This might include infrastructure projects, health and wellness programs, and environmental sustainability efforts. By addressing diverse aspects of community needs, the trust aligns itself with the principles of sustainable development.

Communication and Partnerships: The trust demonstrates a commitment to transparency and communication by providing regular updates. This website serves as a valuable resource for disseminating information about bursary opportunities and keeping the community informed about ongoing initiatives.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The trust’s bursary program is open to students pursuing a wide array of fields, reflecting a commitment to supporting diverse career paths. Moreover, the emphasis on assisting students with disabilities underscores a dedication to inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Job Positions/Locations/Ref Numbers: Bursary Opportunities for 2024 Academic Year

The SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) is currently inviting students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2024 academic year. The bursaries are available for students in SIOC-CDT’s beneficiary communities in the Northern Cape and Limpopo provinces. The following fields are preferred, but students pursuing studies in other fields may also apply:

• Agriculture
• Business Management and Economics
• Education
• Engineering and Science
• Health and Clinical-related Sciences
• Information Technology
• Law
• Tourism

Benefits: SIOC-CDT Bursary Program – Expenses Covered & Selection

The bursary will cover the following expenses for successful applicants:

• Registration and tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Prescribed study material
• Laptop
• Monthly stipend

Additionally, students with disabilities will receive assistive devices to enhance their learning experience. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews, and if no feedback is received by 6 February 2024, the application is regarded as unsuccessful.

Eligibility: Minimum Entry Criteria for SIOC-CDT Bursary

Applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria to be considered for the bursary:

• South African citizenship
• Age under 35 years old at the closing date
• Reside in or originate from a beneficiary area in the Northern Cape or Limpopo provinces
• Currently in Matric (in 2023) or have completed Matric
• Studying or intending to study towards an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in specified fields
• Minimum overall average of 65% in the most recent academic results
• Accepted to study at a recognized public institution in South Africa in 2024
• In need of financial assistance with a household income of less than R600 000 per year
• Preference given to students with disabilities
• Preference given to undergraduate students

Requirements: How to Apply for SIOC-CDT Bursary

Applications can be submitted in two ways:

1. Apply online at SIOC-CDT Bursary Application 2024.
2. Download and complete the SIOC-CDT Bursary Application Form 2024 (.pdf).

Hard copy applications must be posted or hand-delivered to either of the following locations:

• SIOC-CDT Office Park, Cnr Hendrick Van Eck and Ian Flemming Road, Kathu, 8446.
• Thabazimbi Business Hub, 11 Jourdaan Street, Mollies Building, Thabazimbi, 0380.

Clear copies of the following supporting documents must be submitted with the application:

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric mid-year/prelim results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
• Matric certificate if completed Matric (certified copy)
• Most recent tertiary academic results/transcripts, if currently studying (certified copy)
• Proof of acceptance/provisional acceptance to a public tertiary institution (on institution’s letterhead)
• Parents or guardians proof of household income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed)
• Proof of residence (rates and taxes or water and electricity account, letter from landlord, or affidavit from local counselor)
• Medical note explaining the type of disability, if applicable

Step 1: Check Eligibility Criteria Before initiating the application process, carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined by the SIOC-CDT. Ensure that you meet all the specified requirements, including age, citizenship, residence, academic performance, and financial need.

Step 2: Choose a Preferred Application Method Applicants have two options for submitting their applications. They can either apply online through the SIOC-CDT Bursary Application portal or download and complete the application form in PDF format.

• Online Application:
  • Visit the SIOC-CDT Bursary Application portal for the 2024 academic year.
  • Fill in the required details as prompted by the online application form.
  • Submit the application electronically through the online platform.
• Offline Application:
  • Download the SIOC-CDT Bursary Application Form 2024 in PDF format from the designated link.
  • Complete the application form with accurate and detailed information.
  • Save the completed form for submission.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documentation Prepare clear copies of all the necessary supporting documentation. Ensure that all documents are current (not older than three months) and meet the specified requirements. The list of required documents includes:

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric mid-year/prelim results (certified copy)
• Matric certificate (certified copy)
• Most recent tertiary academic results/transcripts (certified copy)
• Proof of acceptance/provisional acceptance to a public tertiary institution (on institution’s letterhead)
• Parents or guardians proof of household income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed)
• Proof of residence (rates and taxes or water and electricity account, letter from landlord, or affidavit from local counselor)
• Medical note explaining the type of disability, if applicable

Step 4: Complete the Application Form Whether applying online or offline, carefully complete all sections of the application form. Provide accurate and detailed information, ensuring that all required fields are filled.

Step 5: Submit the Application After completing the application form and gathering all necessary documents, submit your application. The submission process varies based on the chosen application method:

• Online Submission:
  • If applying online, follow the prompts to submit the application electronically through the dedicated portal.
• Offline Submission:
  • If applying offline, post or hand-deliver the hard copy of the application form and supporting documents to one of the designated locations:
    • SIOC-CDT Office Park, Cnr Hendrick Van Eck and Ian Flemming Road, Kathu, 8446.
    • Thabazimbi Business Hub, 11 Jourdaan Street, Mollies Building, Thabazimbi, 0380.

Step 6: Specify Referral Source Ensure that you mention where you heard about the SIOC-CDT bursary when submitting your application. This step helps the trust track the source of applications.

Step 7: Confirm Application Deadline Be aware of the closing date for applications, which is 10 January 2024 (at 12:00 midday). Submit your application well before the deadline to ensure it is considered.

Step 8: Await Shortlisting and Interview If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted and required to attend an interview. Ensure you are reachable and available during this period. If no feedback is received by 6 February 2024, consider your application as unsuccessful.

Step 9: Contact for Queries For any queries related to the bursary program, contact the SIOC Community Development Trust directly via email at siocbursary@duxpd.co.za or through WhatsApp at 060 656 1605.

Note: All certified documents must not be older than 3 months.

Closing Date: 10 January 2024 (at 12:00 midday) (extension).

Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted; applicants are encouraged to apply before the closing date to ensure consideration.

Official Contact:

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the SIOC Community Development Trust directly:

• Email: siocbursary@duxpd.co.za
• WhatsApp: 060 656 1605