The Dr. Xolani Mkhwanazi South32 bursary provides crucial financial support for undergraduates living in King Cetshwayo District (KwaZulu-Natal), helping in various fields of study. 

Because applications close annually and places are limited, being ready early, having documents certified, and acceptance letters in hand will improve your chances.

About the Organisation

South32 is a global mining and metals company that operates in several countries, including South Africa. 

The bursary is named in memory of Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi, who served on the board of South32 before his passing in January 2020. 

The company’s bursary programme supports students from its host communities, especially in the King Cetshwayo district.

Fields of Study Funded

The bursary typically supports undergraduate (degree or diploma) full-time study in fields including:

  1. Commerce, Law and Management (e.g. Accounting, Economics, Finance, Business Science, Law)
  2. Computer Science & Information Technology
  3. Engineering, Built Environment & Architecture (all disciplines)
  4. Health Sciences (Medicine, Nursing, etc)
  5. Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, etc
  6. Science (Mathematical, Physical, Earth, Actuarial, Biological Sciences)

Other fields may also be considered in certain years.

Benefits for Recipients

  • The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time, but may be renewable based on academic performance and conduct.
  • It covers tuition/registration fees and often includes other financial support such as study materials or residence stipends, depending on the programme and needs.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must generally meet all of the following:

  1. Be a South African citizen.
  2. Reside within the King Cetshwayo District in KwaZulu-Natal province.
  3. Be under 21 years of age.
  4. Be in Matric or have completed Matric.
  5. Be studying or intending to study full-time at a recognised, accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
  6. Have a strong academic record.
  7. Preference is often given to students from designated groups (as per South32’s Employment Equity or similar).

How to Apply

  1. The application is submitted online, using the official application portal/form offered by South32.
  2. You may need to use a promotional code when applying; for recent cycles, this has been Hillside25.
  3. Submit with all required supporting documents (see next section). Incomplete submissions are often disqualified.

Required Documents

You will need to attach:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID document.
  2. Latest Matric results if still in Matric; Matric certificate if completed.
  3. Full academic record/transcript if enrolled already.
  4. Proof of residence (municipal account or similar, or a letter from a Council member / Chief) verifying you are within the King Cetshwayo District.

Closing Date

For the 2024 academic year, the closing date was 31 October 2024.

Feedback to applicants has generally been given by 30 November of the same year.

There have been no 2026 dates announced.

Contact Details

  • The bursary is administered via Career Wise on behalf of South32.
  • For queries: contact the person listed in the bursary notices (e.g., Mr. Liyanda Mkhabo) via the email provided: [email protected].Β 

πŸŽ“ Download Our Bursary Application Checklist

Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.

πŸ“₯ Download Checklist (PDF)