SCHOLARSHIP FUND SUPPORTS ENGINEERING STUDENT

Growing up in the small town of Olifantshoek, Boitumelo Charles Plaatjie saw firsthand the infrastructure challenges facing his community. That is what led him to pursue a career in civil engineering, not just as a profession, but as a way to contribute to meaningful change where it is needed most.

“I have always been interested in construction, and I come from a small town that lacks a lot of infrastructure. Civil engineering is about solving problems, and I believe in problem-solving,” he explained.

Now a first-year student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Boitumelo is working towards a Diploma in Civil Engineering with the support of the REISA Solar Scholarship Fund.
For Boitumelo, this support has been essential. “My family and I are very grateful to REISA Solar for the opportunity, as the scholarship reduces the financial burden of tuition, accommodation and study costs,” he said.

For over ten years, the REISA Solar Scholarship Fund has helped students from communities surrounding its solar facilities by providing comprehensive financial support. The fund benefits young people living within a 50km radius, including those from Kathu, Olifantshoek, Dibeng, Siyathemba, Babatas and Mapoteng.

“Boitumelo’s story reflects exactly what this programme aims to achieve, which is supporting capable, driven young people who are committed to making a difference in their own communities. By investing in his education, we are not only supporting his future as an engineer, but also contributing to the kind of local skills and leadership needed to address infrastructure challenges in our country,” said Shariefa Rhode, Social Performance Manager for REISA Solar.
The programme covers tuition, accommodation, study materials, laptops, meals, transport and a living allowance, enabling students to focus fully on their academic journey.

Boitumelo hopes to one day work as a civil engineer in a large company while also becoming a successful tenderpreneur to create opportunities not only for himself but for others in his community.