The SEDISA Trust

The SEDISA Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that provides education support to young black South African women. The SEDISA Trust was established in 2012 to uplift girls from marginalised communities who are often overlooked in the broader story of social and economic opportunity.

Registered name

The SEDISA Trust

Type

Non-profit trust (education for black women)

Fields funded

Undergraduate and postgraduate study in any field

Website

sedisatrust.com

Email

info@sedisatrust.com

Levelling the playing field

The SEDISA trustees sum up their belief in one line: where you come from should never limit where you can go. The trust’s goal is to give young black women from marginalised communities the same fair chance of success as young women in better-connected parts of the country. The SEDISA Trust responds to the continuing under-representation of black women among South Africa’s university graduates, according to a provider record checked in August 2026.

Trustees who have lived it

Volunteer trustees run the SEDISA Trust. Nonhlanhla Mabusela, a chartered accountant with experience in investment banking, mining and strategy, says she sees herself in the girls the trust supports, and describes applicants taking assessment interviews in cars. Rosta Mahlaba, a chartered accountant with more than 20 years’ experience, grew up in a small Limpopo village and notes that one person’s success often supports five others in a household. Hesai Maharaj brings more than two decades of human resources experience.

What the trust funds

The SEDISA Trust funds study from Matric into university and from undergraduate to postgraduate qualifications, at universities and universities of technology in South Africa. The provider record describes funding for diplomas, degrees, honours and master’s study in any field, covering tuition, accommodation and books. Applicants must be black South African women aged 16 to 35 who passed Matric with Core Mathematics and at least 65% overall.

The trust reports funding more than 30 students since it began, and aims to grow towards about 40 new bursaries a year. Because bursaries are limited, BursariesAfrica’s older guide notes that applicants who receive no response within a reasonable time should assume they were unsuccessful.

Timing

The SEDISA Trust accepts applications between 1 January and 30 September every year, and applicants can apply at any time within that window.

How to research the trust

Read the trustees’ stories on SEDISA’s website and write a motivation that is honest about your circumstances and goals. Apply early in the year rather than waiting for September, and prepare for an assessment interview.

See our Commerce Bursaries list for more funders.