Table of Contents
Introduction
Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Pty) Ltd manages the busy N1 and N4 highways that link Tshwane to Bela‑Bela, Rustenburg, Zeerust and the Botswana border. As part of its Bakwena Cares initiative, the toll concessionaire uses its position in South Africa’s logistics network to uplift the communities living along this corridor. In 2024 the company offered The Bakwena bursary and learnership programme to develop talent and provide meaningful work experience. The programmes have continued into 2025 and 2026, supporting students, employees and unemployed youth to gain qualifications and industry‑relevant skills.
Overview of Bakwena’s Bursary Programme
Bakwena’s bursary scheme is designed to increase access to higher education for students who live near the N1/N4 highways. Unlike many corporate bursaries that fund only specific disciplines, Bakwena supports any undergraduate field ranging from engineering and health sciences to business, arts and social sciences. Recipients receive up to R35 000 per academic year, paid directly to their tertiary institution; the bursary covers one year and may be renewed based on academic progress and available funding. In return, successful students enter into a contract with Bakwena detailing the terms of funding.
Eligibility Criteria for Bakwena bursary and learnership programmes
Candidates must meet several requirements before applying:
- Citizenship and registration: Applicants must be South African citizens and registered at a recognised university. They must be in at least their second year of study.
- Residency: Students should preferably reside within 6 km of the N1/N4 corridor to align with Bakwena’s community‑upliftment mandate.
- Academic performance: A minimum 60 % overall average is required.
- Documentation: Applicants must submit a motivational letter, certified copies of their ID and academic results, and proof of residence. The application form can be downloaded from Bakwena’s website and emailed with “Bursary Application” in the subject line.
Fields of Study & Funding Details
Bakwena’s bursary is deliberately broad. The company recognises that communities along the N1/N4 route need professionals in engineering, health, business, arts and social sciences, so there is no field restriction. Funding is capped at R35 000 per year and is paid to the student’s institutione. The bursary covers tuition fees and may be renewed annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance. In 2024 this scheme supported ten external students, complementing Bakwena’s learnership programme that offered 11 learnerships and seven internal bursaries.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process & Deadlines for the Bakwena bursary and learnership programme
The application process is straightforward and centres on ensuring that deserving students submit complete documentation:
- Download the application form: Obtain the official 2026 application form from Bakwena’s website.
- Prepare supporting documents: Gather certified copies of your South African ID, matric certificate and full academic transcript (including first‑year results). Prepare a motivational letter outlining your goals and why you deserve the bursary.
- Submit via email: Email the completed form and supporting documents to info@bakwena.co.za with “Bursary Application” as the subject line. Applications must be submitted before 31 December 2025; late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
The bursary selection process emphasises community roots and academic potential. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and submit all required documents will be considered.
Construction Learnership Programme
Beyond bursaries, Bakwena runs a construction learnership aimed at unemployed youth living along the N1/N4 corridor. This learnership combines formal theoretical training with practical, on‑the‑job experience at Bakwena’s infrastructure and logistics projects. Participants gain hands‑on skills in road construction, maintenance and safety, which enhances their employability in the transport and civil‑engineering sectors. The programme’s impact is evident: many graduates have secured permanent employment, indicating that the training creates a lasting pathway into the workforce.
The Bakwena bursary and learnership programme is not limited to a specific trade but is tailored to the needs of Bakwena’s projects. Community members receive a stipend during training and work alongside experienced professionals, learning both technical and soft skills such as teamwork, health and safety compliance, and project management. This holistic approach ensures that participants can contribute meaningfully to infrastructure projects and are better positioned for employment in the broader construction industry.
Success Stories: Real‑Life Impact
Bakwena demonstrates its influence by highlighting the achievements of former beneficiaries.
- Catherine Morena: A long‑serving Bakwena employee, Morena progressed from communications clerk to control‑room manager at Mantsole Weighbridge and is now a commercial support officer at Bakwena’s head office. After receiving the bursary, she completed a Bachelor of Business Administration and credits the sponsorship with shaping her academic and professional development.
- Boitumelo Joy Ngobeni: Ngobeni used the bursary to earn two qualifications in Integrated Communication from Tshwane University of Technology. She says Bakwena’s investment empowered her and inspired her to give back to her community.
These stories illustrate how financial support and skills training translate into career advancement and community upliftment.
Community and Economic Impact
By investing in education and skills development along the N1/N4 route, Bakwena helps build a pipeline of talent for South Africa’s logistics and construction sectors. The N1/N4 corridor is a critical artery for trade and transport, and the company’s programmes ensure that local communities share in the economic benefits. The bursary and learnership initiatives not only provide qualifications and experience but also foster social cohesion, reduce youth unemployment and improve household incomes.
Bakwena’s commitment is reinforced by leadership support. Chief Operating Officer Solomon Kganyago emphasises that the youth are the future of South Africa and that businesses have a responsibility to positively impact communities. He notes that Bakwena aims to bring “positive change, inspiration and hope” to people living near the N1/N4 route.
Forward‑Thinking Outlook for 2025/2026
Looking ahead, the Bakwena bursary and learnership programme is poised to play an even greater role in South Africa’s skills‑development landscape. The 31 December 2025 deadline for 2026 bursary applications suggests that the company intends to expand its support as more students and unemployed youth seek opportunities. Given the government’s focus on infrastructure investment and the national drive to reduce unemployment, the demand for qualified professionals in engineering, logistics, and public administration will continue to grow. Bakwena’s broad fields of study and flexible funding make it well‑positioned to produce graduates who can fill this gap.
Prospective applicants should note that competition is likely to intensify. To improve their chances, students should maintain strong academic records, craft compelling motivational letters and submit complete applications ahead of the deadline. Community members interested in the learnership should monitor Bakwena’s media channels for announcements and prepare to demonstrate their commitment to safety and teamwork.
Conclusion
Bakwena bursary and learnership programme exemplify how private‑sector companies can drive inclusive growth. By combining financial support, skills training and employment pathways for communities along vital transport corridors, Bakwena helps build a more equitable South Africa. With applications open until 31 December 2025, students and job‑seekers are encouraged to seize these opportunities and contribute to the ongoing development of the N1/N4 corridor.
Useful references
https://www.bakwena.co.za/bakwena-cares-bursary/
https://www.bakwena.co.za/bakwena-champions-community-upliftment-for-mandela-day-2025/
https://www.bakwena.co.za/bakwena-bursaries-and-learnerships-empower-local-youth/
