While the University of Pretoria (UP) works towards its ambitious goal of raising R100 million through its #UPGivingCampaign to make education more accessible, companies like Redheads TMS Turbomaschinenservice, a joint venture between German engineering firms Redheads Engineering Services and TMS Turbomaschinenservice, are stepping up to support students directly by providing bursaries and opportunities for those who excel.

Redheads TMS recently awarded eight bursaries totalling R590 700, bringing the total funding provided by the company to R3.47 million for 32 students between 2023 and 2024. This partnership between UP and Redheads TMS was established as part of the organisations’ joint efforts to contribute towards social development under the Eskom Rotek Industries initiative. The Redheads Group is a leading global provider of engineering services, serving various industries such as power generation, automotive and mining.

“It’s an incredible feeling to know we’re making a positive impact in people’s lives and society,” said Jürgen Rust, Managing Director of Redheads Engineering Services. “One of our core values is to positively influence not only our clients but everyone we interact with – from our employees to the communities we serve and future generations. This year, we’ve awarded 19 bursaries across various universities. Building an engineering skills base is crucial for any community, as there’s always a shortage. We’re proud of the impact we’re making, and the feedback from society has been amazing.”

Rikus Delport, Director of UP’s Department of Institutional Advancement, said, “If you aspire to make tertiary education accessible and cultivate future leaders who will drive innovation, positively impact society and address pressing global challenges, financial support is essential. We deeply appreciate our donors, like Redheads Engineering Services, who step up to help us make education accessible to our ambitious students. Without such support, these students’ dreams would remain unrealised due to their socio-economic circumstances.”

In addition to funding of her final-year studies, UP alumna Kaylin Stevens, a 24-year-old Bachelor of Business Management graduate, secured a permanent position at Redheads Engineering Services as a Business Support Administrator. This role provides her with experience in human resources, finance, and administration services. “This is amazing for me, and seeing other UP students receive bursaries because of the support UP offers humbles me,” she said. “I was so stressed about funding my education, but the University informed me of this partnership, and look how it has changed the life of a young woman from Eersterust.”

Nhlanhla Mthethwa, a 21-year-old final-year BCom Informatics Information Systems student, was thrilled to receive funding for two years in a row. The young man from Ermelo, Mpumalanga, said, “Opportunities like this exist, and young people just have to produce academic results. People at institutions like UP and Redheads Engineering Services will not let hard work and dedication go unnoticed.”

“As education remains crucial for societal development, we continue to seek donations through the #UPGivingCampaign,” Delport added. “Amidst the financial pressures endured by the University, donor funding enabled us to provide financial support to 50% of our graduates last year, and to achieve the same for our May 2024 graduates. Our donors make this possible. We are always looking for creative partnerships to assist students. Recently, we introduced a raffle for a chance to win a classic 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, with proceeds going to students in need.”