Twenty-five students from disadvantaged communities, who are benefiting from the Tsantsabane local municipality and Assmang Beeshoek Mine bursary scheme were called in for a motivational session on Tuesday at Postmasburg hall.

The session was called with the aim of assisting the beneficiaries to work hard and do better in their respective fields of study.

When addressing the students, John Ncazelo from Beeshoek Mine said the purpose of the bursary scheme was to assist the youth of Tsantsabane to “pursue careers that would contribute towards the development and upliftment of their areas”.

“The criteria for awarding bursaries was based on academic merit and financial need. The bursary scheme is currently funding the studies of 25 students who have been at different tertiary institutions since 2010’’, said Ncazelo.

Mayor of Tsantsabane municipality, Elroy Phete, said the aim of the Tsantsabane-Assmang Beeshoek Bursary Scheme was to ensure that the local youth were educated.

“This would not only empower them, but also enable them to plough back to their communities by making sure that the areas were developed,” said Phete.

“These kids are the future of this nation, so it is one of our priorities to make sure that they get the education they deserve. All they should do is work hard and make sure that they don’t lose this great opportunity.”

Among the motivational speakers present was Andrew Ramonnye from the district department of education, who emphasised that the students needed to be determined in order for them to succeed.

This, he mentioned after one of the best students, Nombulelo Remembrance Phillips, motivated other beneficiaries.

Phillips is studying with the University of Free State in the Bcom Accounting field, as the best student among all beneficiaries.

She said: “A determined person is generally optimistic as well, which is a good trait to have. Being able to look past the shadow, to see the light so that you can get to where you want to be, is a very incredible skill. Someone who lacks determination would not have the mindset to look at the bright side of things and would settle for whatever he or she got.

“Optimism plays a big role in improving, allowing yourself to know you can do better and actually doing it. This is key in being determined”.