by Lerato Motsisi
An ongoing partnership between the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Department of Law, Safety and Security Management, Faculty of Humanities and the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), continues to bear fruit for students. This collaboration, rooted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), manifests in various forms of support, including bursaries for postgraduate students. SASSETA’s recent visit to the faculty to distribute laptops, which will significantly aid these students in their studies, notably demonstrates this support.
Prof Kholofelo Rakubu, Head of the Department of Law, Safety and Security Management, welcomed and thanked all attendees for their presence and participation at the occasion. In alignment with the MoU, SASSETA provided laptops to nine deserving students in the Department of Law, Safety and Security Management. The MoU, which serves as the foundation of this partnership, ensures that students not only receive financial aid through bursaries but are also equipped with the necessary tools to excel in their studies. Beyond bursaries, SASSETA also contributes discretionary grants for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements, further strengthening the employability of these students.
Prof Dee Khosa, Associate Professor and WIL Coordinator at the department, emphasised the importance of this collaboration. "Our department is committed to guiding students towards industry opportunities, securing stipends for WIL placements and providing essential resources needed for academic success. While it has been challenging to secure such support, it is rewarding to see these efforts materialise. SASSETA has been an exceptional partner in empowering our students, consistently stepping in with funding whenever needed," said Prof Khosa.
The selection process for the SASSETA bursary was rigorous. The most deserving postgraduate diploma students from the Department of Law, Safety and Security Management were selected to receive the bursary.
Ms Melato Mogotsi, bursary manager at SASSETA, explained that the bursary covers tuition fees, meals, books, accommodation and equipment, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without financial burdens. "As per the MoU, SASSETA is committed to providing internships and bursaries to TUT students. The distribution of laptops to postgraduate students is the final phase of this funding initiative," Mogotsi said.
Prof Khosa has played a crucial role in ensuring that students are able to complete their qualifications and are well-prepared for successful careers. "The SASSETA partnership is set to continue until 2030, as outlined in our MoU. We have recently secured additional funding of R4.6 million to support students who will be placed in industry for WIL," added Prof Khosa.
She urged the students to remain humble, grateful and to continue serving as outstanding ambassadors for the University.
In concluding, Prof Bongazana Dondolo, Assistant Dean of Teaching and Learning, echoed Prof Khosa’s sentiments, extending heartfelt thanks to SASSETA. She highlighted that the bursary initiative aligns seamlessly with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and expressed confidence that by 2030, the University would have demonstrated its worthiness of SASSETA’s support. She acknowledged the far-reaching impact of the bursary initiative, not only on the students but also on their families and future generations.
Prof Dee Khosa addresses the students during the SASSETA event.
The group of deserving postgraduate diploma students from the Department of Law, Safety and Security Management who were selected to receive laptops to aid their academic success.