About Subtrop:
Subtrop, short for the South African Subtropical Growers’ Association, is an umbrella association that encompasses three prominent South African fruit growers’ associations. These three associations are:
- South African Avocado Growers’ Association (SAAGA)
- South African Litchi Growers’ Association (SALGA)
- South African Mango Growers’ Association (SAMGA)
Subtrop represents a diverse range of members, including small-scale landholding farmers and large corporations involved in subtropical fruit production. Its primary mission is to facilitate research in the fields of production and marketing of these three key commodities. Additionally, Subtrop plays a pivotal role in educating farmers on best practices for handling and distributing their products to maximize growth and sustainability. The organization employs advanced techniques, such as establishing satellite offices, to effectively reach growers even in remote areas.
Subtrop SAAGA Bursary 2024-2025:
Subtrop offers the Subtrop SAAGA Bursary program annually, aimed at providing financial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing agricultural studies. Specifically, this bursary is awarded to students pursuing a BSc Agriculture degree or its equivalent.
The primary objective of this bursary program is to encourage the participation of individuals from diverse racial backgrounds in the South African avocado industry by providing them with proper training and education.
The bursary typically covers all or part of the tuition costs, depending on the financial needs of the student. Initially, it is awarded for one academic year, and its extension for the following year depends on the student’s academic performance, as reviewed by a panel. Bursary recipients are required to sign a contractual agreement obligating them to work for Subtrop for a period equivalent to the length of the bursary. Additionally, they are encouraged to focus their seminar and project work on avocados.
Penalties:
The bursary program also includes penalties for defaulters. If a bursar fails to pass the course for which the bursary was awarded, they will be required to repay the bursary amount. The repayment period is equal to the length of the bursary, with repayment starting after the year for which the bursary was awarded.
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for the Subtrop SAAGA Bursary, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be a person of color.
- Must have completed Matriculation.
- Must be pursuing a BSc Agriculture degree or its equivalent, with a major in Horticultural Science, Agribusiness, or Agricultural Economics.
- Must be enrolled at a recognized tertiary institution in South Africa.
Meeting these criteria is essential, as failure to do so may result in the rejection of the application.
How to Apply:
Eligible candidates can apply for the Subtrop SAAGA Bursary by following these steps:
- Download the Subtrop SAAGA Online Application Form: Application Form (.docx).
- Complete the application form with accurate information.
- Prepare and scan the required documents listed below.
- Email the completed application form and documents to Ms. Delané Landman at delane@Subtrop.co.za.
Required Documents:
When submitting the application form via email or upload, applicants must include the following documents:
- ID documents.
- Matric certificate.
- University academic record.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Documents indicating any other bursaries currently being received.
- A motivation letter explaining why the applicant is the best candidate for the bursary.
Closing Date:
The application deadline for the Subtrop SAAGA Bursary is 31 October . Applications received after this date will not be considered, so it is advisable to apply as early as possible.
Contact Details:
For further inquiries or assistance regarding the Subtrop SAAGA Bursary, applicants can contact:
- Ms. Delané Landman
- Email: delane@Subtrop.co.za
- Telephone: 015 307 3676 / 015 307 3677
