Since 2008 WPN has awarded bursaries to female students studying towards a property related degree or diploma. The 2015-yearis no exception, and a total of eleven bursaries totalling in excess of R500 000 (tuition and study material fees) have been awarded to students studying at various institutions across the country.  

All the applicants are deserving in terms of personal circumstances, had achieved in excess of 60% average and showed a passion for the property industry. At the beginning of the year, the WPN did not have sufficient funds to award all of the bursaries, and embarked on a fund raising initiative in February to register the WPN as a charity entry into the Two Oceans Marathon, and friends of WPN ran to support the charity.  In addition to these pledges, 

Delta Property Fund also made a significant contribution of R600 000 to the Educational Trust, thereby ensuring that all eleven bursaries could be awarded.

WPN Chair, Genevieve Naidoo, says: “We continue to be overwhelmed by the generous support of companies in the industry and on behalf of the WPN Executive, I would like to thank contributors for their support.  The WPN Educational Trust is a special initiative, and one which has been nurtured for many years so as to ensure that young female graduates take their place in the industry and are able to make a meaningful contribution.”

Comments from the students in regard to what the awarding of the bursaries has meant to them is reward in itself:

AZRA MIA

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for your generosity in awarding this bursary to me. Having lost my father about 9months ago, this bursary comes in the form of a miracle for my family. I am currently in my 3rd year BSc Property Studies, and I plan to venture into Real Estate Development as a major for 4th year, being awarded this bursary takes me one step closer to one of my many goals.

KARABO MALEKA

I am filled with gratitude because this bursary makes it possible for me to obtain my qualification without having to worry about finances.  Thank you to the Women’s Property Network for this opportunity. 

MATSHADISO MOLOLEKWA

I am sincerely grateful to the Trustees of the WPN Educational Trust for making the 2015 bursary award possible.   This bursary means a lot to my family and I as it has lightened the financial burden, which allows me to focus on my studies.

MBALI NGIDI

The Women’s Property Network, has created a platform for young women like myself to enter the property industry and to allow a more engaged education, through the opportunity to network and share ideas at a professional level.

NONOKAZI MDUTYANA

The bursary is a true blessing.Not only was financial assistance needed, but exposure to the property industry, which is key for young students setting out and wanting to make the right decisions in terms of career paths. 

PABALLO WESSIE

I am so grateful to the WPN for awarding me this bursary,  as now I need worry less about the funding, and focus on building my future and doing my part to positively impact South Africa and its built environment. 

RAZAAN EBRAHIM

I am extremely grateful.  No more stressing about finances, as I can now focus on my curriculum. The WPN bursary encourages excellence amongst deserving students from disadvantaged communities, and helps aspirant female students to become qualified professionals and leaders – much of what is needed in our new diversified democracy.

RHULANI MABASA

Not only has the bursary relievedthe financial strain, but has also motivated me to ensure good grades as a way of appreciation to those who went out of their way to grant me a study opportunity. I hope to  follow in their footsteps in the future so as  to also give other women, especially from rural areas the opportunity to study and better their communities. 

SHEREEN MOLOTO

The investment by the WPN towards my career development has ensured that I will be able to register as a professional urban planner with the South African Council for Planners and thus move on to be an accredited professional in my field.

THANDEKA SHABALALA

I would like to thank the WPN for offering me this bursary. I had reached a point of giving up on completing my degree as my parents could only provide funding for my first year.  

TLANGELANI BALOYI

By awarding me the bursary, the WPN has  lightened my financial burden allowing me to focus on the most important aspect of university - learning and maintaining  my academic achievement. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals. 

In addition to the awarding of the bursaries, the WPN through its regional chapters and committees will support these students by ensuring regular contact to discuss study material and any problem areas that may have arisen and will engage with the students at the networking events so thatthey have access to women active in the industry.