Active community engagement and a growing public-private partnership between Tokologo Local Municipality and Boshof Solar Power are helping to expand access to tertiary education in the region. More learners from Boshof and Hertzogville are now applying for and receiving bursaries to further their studies.
This progress follows several years of low uptake due to a shortage of qualifying applicants. In response, Boshof Solar Power implemented targeted support measures, including a year-end initiative to assist learners with university applications. These efforts were strongly supported by the Municipality, particularly through its Local Economic Development (LED) office.
“Public-private partnerships like this are vital,” said Winky Nkokoana, LED Co-ordinator at Tokologo Local Municipality. “As local government, we don’t always have the reach or resources to meet all community needs. Through collaboration, we can support small enterprises, invest in early childhood development, and now—create access to tertiary education.”
Amid limited job prospects in the area, many young people are actively seeking study opportunities.
“In addition to our support initiatives, we find that learners are genuinely eager to pursue further studies—particularly when unemployment is the alternative,” said Noluthando Mazibuko, Economic Development Specialist at Boshof Solar Power. “The decline in local business activity has left many young people discouraged. Programmes like this one offer direction and hope.”
Nkokoana also highlighted the importance of promoting both tertiary education and vocational training. “Tertiary studies build skills needed to navigate life and work, such as critical thinking and communication. We also need to encourage young people to consider TVET colleges, which offer technical skills in high demand and pathways to self-employment.”
In 2025, the bursary programme will support its highest number of recipients since launching in 2021, with four new bursaries awarded. The programme provides financial support for tuition, accommodation, books, and a stipend, along with mentoring and academic guidance.
The 2025 bursary recipients are pursuing a diverse range of studies at leading institutions across the country. They are Bernice Tshiamo Segopolo – Bachelor of Commerce in Law (STADIO); Ntando Vuyo Kalitshana – BSc Medical Laboratory Science (Central University of Technology); Nonhlanhla Lucia Geweldt – BA International Relations (UNISA); and Elrio Hendriks – Tourism Management (Vaal University of Technology).
The high levels of unemployment in the Free State highlight the urgent need for sustainable development and education initiatives, such as the Boshof Solar Power bursary programme, to empower youth and support long-term opportunity. Between 2022 and 2025, the province lost over 140,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate rising to 38% by early 2024—the third highest in the country.
