Maipelo Happiness Mmereki, a 20-year-old BSc Geology student at the University of Limpopo, is breaking barriers as the first in her family to pursue tertiary education. Her academic journey has been made possible by the Kathu Solar Park Bursary Programme, of which she became a beneficiary in 2023.
Growing up in Kuruman, Maipelo’s choice to study geology reflects a deep connection to her community, where mining and agriculture are the backbone of the local economy. Minerals such as manganese, iron ore, tiger’s eye, and crocidolite—the richest deposits of which are found in the Kuruman district—are integral to the area’s prosperity.
“I want to learn more about our earth’s surface and the materials that make it up. Being surrounded by mines in my district inspired me to pursue a career as a Mining Geologist,” Maipelo explained.
Kathu Solar Park launched its bursary programme at the end of 2022 to empower talented youth from the John Taolo Gaetsewe municipal area with access to higher education. This initiative, a key component of the company’s Socio-Economic Development strategy, provides comprehensive support, covering tuition fees, accommodation, books, and equipment like laptops, alongside mentoring and soft-skills development to prepare students for the world of work.
For Maipelo, the bursary has been transformative. “The bursary is helping me to pursue my dream because it offers all the support a student needs to achieve their goals. It has relieved financial pressure on my family and given me the mental support I need to focus on my studies,” she said.
Maipelo is currently on track to complete her degree by 2026. Reflecting on her academic journey, she highlighted her love for challenging subjects like Maths and Chemistry, which fuel her passion for learning despite the obstacles she faces.
Looking to the future, Maipelo aspires to work as a Mining Geologist within her community, contributing her skills to the region’s thriving mining sector.
Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, Socio-Economic Development Manager for Kathu Solar Park, concluded, “Maipelo’s journey is an example of how our bursary programme empowers local youth to achieve their potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities. By providing comprehensive support, we are not just investing in education but in the future of our community and its economy.”
