SANZAF Zakah Bursaries: Empowering Education and Uplifting Lives
Supporting Needy Students through SANZAF Zakah Bursaries
Founded as the South African National Zakah Fund, SANZAF is a faith-based organization that provides Islamic Zakah and Sadaqat (charity) to vulnerable individuals in society. With a focus on welfare, education, development, and emergency relief, SANZAF’s funds aim to uplift and transform lives. The organization has made a significant impact, serving over 1.4 million individuals in 2020 alone and contributing R 27 million to education the previous year.
Fulfilling Dreams with SANZAF Zakah Bursaries
Through the SANZAF Zakah Bursary program, the organization continues its mission of supporting those in need. These bursaries are offered to eligible South African students, regardless of their field of study, making higher education accessible to deserving individuals.
Empowering Academic Pursuits
The value of each bursary is determined on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that the financial assistance provided meets the unique needs of each recipient. The bursaries cover a range of expenses, including registration fees, tuition (partial or full), accommodation, meals, and more. Payments are made directly to the student’s institution, streamlining the process and enabling students to focus on their studies.
Criteria for Eligibility
To be considered for the SANZAF Zakah Bursary program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- South African Citizenship: Both citizens and foreign nationals with study permits are considered.
- Province of Residence: Applicants must reside in the province for which they are applying.
- Financial Constraint: Candidates should be facing financial constraints.
- Disadvantaged Background: Applicants must come from a previously disadvantaged background.
- Education Level: Candidates must be in Matric or have completed Matriculation.
- Sponsorship: Candidates must have been sponsored by a family member, themselves, or SANZAF in the previous year.
While meeting these criteria is essential, preference is given to those with exceptional academic performance or severe financial need. Fulfilling the eligibility criteria does not guarantee bursary funding, as selection is at the sole discretion of SANZAF.
Guided Steps: Application Process
To apply for the SANZAF Zakah Bursary 2025-2026, follow these steps:
- Visit the specific online application form for your province:
- Read the instructions and complete the form accurately.
- Gather the necessary documents, which include a certified copy of your ID, proof of registration, fee statement, academic transcripts/matric certificate, testimonial from your school, proof of income, and additional documents depending on your status.
- Submit your application form and all supporting documents.
Setting Your Course: Closing Date
The closing dates for SANZAF Zakah Bursary applications vary by province:
- Port Elizabeth: 30th November
- East London: 15th January 2025-2026
- Western Cape: 31st December
- Gauteng: 21st January 2025-2026
- Durban: 15th October
- Ladysmith: 25th January 2025-2026
- Pietermaritzburg: 31st January 2025-2026
- Kimberley: 30th January 2025-2026
Navigating Support: Contact Information
For inquiries, feel free to reach out to the respective contacts in your province:
Durban: Razia Hamid / 031 3096786 / Razia.Hamid@sanzaf.org.za East London: Imaan Poovan / 043-7227453/ Imaan.Poovan@sanzaf.org.za Gauteng: Saadiqa Letsoara / 011 834 6046 / saadiqa.letsoara@sanzaf.org.za Kimberley: Ebrahim Joubyar / 053 831 2758 / Ebrahim.joubyar@sanzaf.org.za Ladysmith: Mahomed Dadabhai / 036 633 2792 / mahommed.dadabhay@sanzaf.org.za Pietermaritzburg: Mase