Support the Sando Bursary Trust to transform more lives

Applications for the Sando Bursary Trust, which provides financial support to qualifying students from underprivileged communities, will open on Friday 1 August and close on Sunday 31 August.

Established in 2007, the trust helps students who do not qualify for government funding but are still unable to afford tertiary education. Since its inception, it has supported students from across the Western Cape, including Kuils River, Plumstead, Athlone, Manenberg, and other parts of the Cape Metropole.

Shiree Frans-Sheldon, chairperson of the Sando Bursary Trust, said: “The main objective of the trust is to educate previously disadvantaged students by awarding tertiary education bursaries to those who excel in their academics despite their challenges.”

The trust is currently able to assist one or two students per year. In addition to tuition fees, Sando provides funding for travel, stationery, accommodation, and other personal needs, based on recommendations from its Bursary Committee.

“There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to financially supporting a student. Students’ needs and circumstances change constantly; this is where Sando will step in,” Ms Frans-Sheldon said.

Students also receive mentoring support. “We have a dedicated team of Bursary Committee members, one of them an ex-Sando student, who ensures regular check-ins with our students. Our team is focused on student development, on and off campus,” she added.

One of the trust’s first beneficiaries, Brian Mvukwe, 24, from Kuils River, graduated from Stellenbosch University with a BCom in Mathematical Sciences in 2022 and later completed a BSc Honours in Computer Science.

He received the bursary in Grade 11. “This was a big one because I wasn’t sure how I was going to go to university… they did support me financially, like a lot, because there was no way I was going to be able to pay for my studies.”

The trust also assisted with books, medical expenses, and a stipend when needed. “Besides the financial help, the support that came from Sando through mentoring was big... It’s not only academically that you are working towards, but it builds you and forms you into something else,” he said.

Following a drop in his grades during Covid, the trust arranged for a psychologist to support him. “They did step in. I’m very much grateful to Sando for taking a chance with me.”

Sameer Kaprey, 22, from Athlone, currently studying at UCT, said: “From the moment I signed up for a bursary with Sando, it felt like joining a family. They’ve consistently gone above and beyond by checking in on me every month to see how I’m doing and if I need anything.”

“During times of struggle, they didn’t just offer financial support; they gave me valuable advice and guidance… Knowing that someone was always there to talk to made all the difference,” he said.

He encouraged donors and businesses to support the trust: “Contributing to the work of Sando is a powerful way for businesses and donors to invest in the future. These contributions not only change individual lives but also strengthen the workforce, promote social equity, and build a more inclusive and prosperous society.”

Ms Frans-Sheldon appealed for public and corporate support. “Sando Bursary Trust requires funding to educate and fulfil its objectives. It will increase the number of students that we can assist every year. We also want to introduce workshops at high schools to assist learners in applying for jobs, funding, or completing tertiary education applications,” she said.

“We are appealing to any companies who have space on their CSI list to contact us and assist us in expanding our Sando Bursary Trust recipient base. We do accept donations from the general public, and this can be done on our website at https://sandotrust.co.za/ by simply scanning our QR code.

“Our students have so much potential to change the circumstances of not only themselves, but their families and communities. All they need is a little bit of help from everyone around them,” she said.

To apply, visit www.sandotrust.co.za. For further enquiries, email shiree@sandotrust.co.za or info@sandotrust.co.za. Updates are also shared on the trust’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SandoBTrust