About SIFTE (Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education):
SIFTE, which stands for the Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education, is one of South Africa’s oldest private sector Trust Funds. Established in 1965, its primary mission is to promote education and sustainable practices within the country’s sugarcane industry. SIFTE plays a pivotal role in organizing and funding various educational programs aimed at benefiting the sugarcane industry and the communities it serves. This includes funding for school buildings and providing bursaries to learners.
SIFTE is a non-profit organization managed by independent trustees who are dedicated to improving the sugarcane industry and contributing to the broader development of South Africa.
Sugar Industry Trust Fund For Education (SITFE) Bursary 2024-2025:
SIFTE places a strong emphasis on education and has been actively funding a wide range of educational programs for over four decades. These programs include study assistance and early childhood development initiatives. SIFTE has supported more than 10,000 students to date.
The SITFE (Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education) bursary is specifically intended for students pursuing qualifications in the fields of Agriculture, Engineering, or Sciences.
For the 2024-2025 academic session, SITFE will only consider candidates from the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga regions.
Eligible students can be enrolled at any public university, university of technology, or one of the two agricultural colleges in South Africa:
- Owen Sithole College of Agriculture
- Cedara College of Agriculture
The value of the bursary varies and is determined on a case-by-case basis. Selection is based on matric results and the most recent academic performance. Additionally, applicants are required to participate in an interview where they must demonstrate effective communication skills. The list of bursary recipients will be announced no later than 28 February 2024-2025.
Eligibility Criteria for the SITFE Bursary:
To qualify for the Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) Bursary, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must reside within the sugarcane growing provinces, which are KwaZulu-Natal or Mpumalanga.
- Must be pursuing a qualification in the field of Agriculture, Science, or Engineering. Alternatively, applicants must be children of sugarcane farm workers (regardless of their field of study).
- Must fall within the “Missing Middle” income group, with a household income ranging from R 350,000 to R 600,000.
- The household income must be derived from sugarcane growing areas, not from other sources.
While meeting these criteria is essential, preference is typically given to applicants in their first year of study. Those with exceptional academic performance receive priority over other applicants.
How to Apply for the SITFE Bursary:
Eligible candidates should proceed with the application process for the Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) Bursary.
To begin, download and complete the Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) Bursary Application Form.
The application form comprises six sections, all of which must be completed. Be sure to carefully read through the instructions provided.
Required Documents:
When submitting the application form via email or upload, applicants must include the following documents:
- Certified ID documents.
- Final grade 12 trial and Matric statement of results. If unavailable or if enrolled at a tertiary institution, submit the final Tertiary exam results.
- Proof of registration at the university, university of technology, tertiary institution, or agricultural college.
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit confirming income or unemployment, pension receipts).
- Death certificate, if parents are deceased.
- Proof of connection to the sugarcane industry, if applicable.
Applicants can email the application and documents to ‘bursaries@sasa.org.za.’ In the subject line, use ‘SITFE Bursary Application 2024-2025.’
Mailing Addresses for Different Universities:
If applying for bursaries at an Agricultural college, send your application to one of the following addresses:
For Hirst Simpson Agricultural Bursaries (Cedara College): Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education C/O South African Sugar Association PO Box 700 Mount Edgecombe 4300
OR
For Owen Sithole Agricultural Bursaries: Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education C/O South African Sugar Association PO Box 700 Mount Edgecombe 4300
If applying for bursaries at a University of Technology, send your application to:
University of Technology Bursaries: Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education C/O South African Sugar Association PO Box 700 Mount Edgecombe 4300
If applying for bursaries at a University, send your application to:
University Merit/Non-Merit Bursaries: Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education C/O South African Sugar Association PO Box 700 Mount Edgecombe 4300
Closing Date of the Bursary:
The deadline for applying for the Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) Bursary is 31 October.
Contact Details of the Bursary:
For further information or inquiries regarding the bursary, applicants can contact SITFE at:
- Telephone: 031 508 7034
- Email: bursaries@sasa.org.za
