Representatives from TotalEnergies recently visited the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Hatfield Campus to award bursaries to 32 students who are studying accounting, geology, information and technology, and engineering among others. The bursaries are expected to cover accommodation, fees and more. TotalEnergies is a multi-energy corporation that generates and sells electricity, natural gas and fuel. It hopes to lead the field in responsible energy.

“We are excited to be here today to award you deserving students with bursaries,” said Pumla Sangotsha, Learning and Development Manager at TotalEnergies. “Well done to all of you who managed to convince us with your academic performance that you deserve these bursaries. It’s important for you to continue to work hard and get good grades. It is important to keep your grade point average high as we take only a certain number of students and we receive thousands of applications yearly.”

The partnership between UP and TotalEnergies started in 2019. Thus far, 208 UP students studying various courses have benefitted from bursaries offered by TotalEnergies.

“Finding out that I got this bursary was such a blessing,” said Kaydon Tucker, a first-year BCom Supply Chain Management student. “It was like my crumbling world was pieced back together. I was at my lowest before this bursary; I literally cried because of joy. It changed my year, and I plan to work hard and become a trailblazer in the supply chain space once I have completed this degree.”

Jaley Lakey, a second-year BSocSci Industrial Sociology and Labour Studies student, said this is a dream come true.

“I was happy to be selected because this meant that there’s an opportunity for me to go further with my studies. I am really grateful; this is indeed a dream come true.”

“I had problems with funding last year, so being awarded this bursary means a whole lot to me – I am grateful to TotalEnergies,” said first-year BSc Geology student Lwazi Mchunu. “It was difficult to focus in class because I wasn’t certain about who was going to pay my fees. It was a breath of fresh air knowing that I don’t have to stress about money for fees any longer.”  

Speaking on behalf of the University and the Department of Student Affairs, Dr Willem Jorissen thanked TotalEnergies for their support.

“Thank you for your big contribution in supporting our students,” he said. “We are grateful for your generosity. We are proud to have TotalEnergies as partners of the University and we hope this partnership continues for many years to come. From the students’ side, they no longer need to worry about their fees, accommodation, daily allowance, etc. It is a relief for them. What they need to do now is focus, study hard and develop themselves holistically to become better members of society.”