For five young graduates, education is more than a qualification—its about being given a chance to realise their dreams and create meaningful change in their communities. Among them is Tshepiso Wedney Modise (23), who has been able to embrace her passion for storytelling and film, having recently obtained a BA in Performing Arts & Media Studies from AFDA Cape Town.
She credits the Kathu Solar Park (KSP) bursary programme with making her journey possible and reaffirms her intention to use her passion to help uplift youth from her hometown.
“When I began my degree, financial and emotional challenges made it seem impossible to pursue my passion for the arts. The Kathu Solar Park bursary changed everything—it validated my dreams and provided the stability I needed to focus on my studies. Today, I am honoured to be nominated as Fleur du Cap Cape Town’s ‘Most Promising Student’ and remain dedicated to using my performing arts qualification to uplift my community. I see it as a powerful tool to inspire and educate others in my village, Bosra—helping them unlock their creativity, realise their potential, and embrace the opportunities that come with it.”
Since its launch in 2022, the KSP bursary programme has provided financial and academic support to 29 students, with 11 having successfully completed their studies to date. The programme covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, and travel expenses. Students also receive laptops, data for online learning, and a monthly allowance. Alongside financial aid, recipients benefit from mentorship, career coaching, and psycho-social support aimed at enhancing both their academic and personal development.
Other graduates from the programme include:
- Rebone Bontle Keogatile – Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy, University of the Free State
- Gofaone Vincent Mogale – Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, Stellenbosch University
- Tlotlo Mpho Rametsi – BCom Honours in Transport Economics, North-West University
- Ashley Britney Jooste – BEd Intermediate Phase, Sol Plaatje University
Kathu Solar Park remains committed to fostering educational opportunities that create lasting impact. Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, Socio Economic Development Manager, expressed pride in the graduates’ achievements, saying, “Seeing our bursary recipients reach this important milestone is a testament to their resilience and determination. Their success reaffirms the importance of investing in education as a means of transforming lives and strengthening communities.”
“As the programme continues to support students in their academic journeys, we look forward to witnessing more young leaders emerge and make meaningful contributions to their communities,” she concluded.
