The Motsepe Foundation was founded in 1999 by Mr Patrice Motsepe and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe. The foundation was founded on the principle of ‘ubuntu’ – the quality of compassion and humanity. The founders believe that “the act of giving back has been and still is an integral part of our moral duty and collective responsibility.” (Motsepe Foundation, 2023).

The foundation’s success comes from serving people with humility and respecting their relationship with internal and external partners. Motsepe Foundation upholds the values of honesty, integrity, commitment, and credibility (Motsepe Foundation, 2023). 

True to their mission, vision and values, the Motsepe foundation grants bursaries to students from underprivileged backgrounds to empower the youth and raise future leaders in various industries. 

Minimum criteria for applicants: 

• Applicants (students) must have achieved a minimum of 70% average, excluding Life Orientation, on the Matric June Results for shortlisting and on their final results to be granted the bursary.
• Students must intend to pursue courses preferably related to Mathematics, Medical studies, Sciences, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Technology, Business Studies, Law, Agriculture and Arts.
• Proof of financial need (Motsepe Foundation, 2023).

Step 1: Visit the Motsepe Foundation page.

The first step to applying for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary is to visit the Motsepe Foundation Bursary application page on; http://motsepefoundation.org/bursary-application/. On this page, download the application form that applicants need to fill out and submit along with other documents. 

Step 2: Submit documents to Motsepe foundation. 

The following documents should be sent to Motsepe Foundation as part of your application: 

• Completed application form by the student.
• Certified copy of Identity document. 
• Previous academic year June exam results. 
• Proof of residence.
• Confirmation letter from Departmental of Social Services (signed and stamped), applicable for pensioners, child support, orphans grant. 
• Payslip/ employment letter/ 3 months bank statement of parents or legal guardians.  
• Certified affidavit to support proof of income for self-employed parents/guardians to be attached to proof of income (Motsepe Foundation, 2023). 

The following important information should be confirmed on the application form: 

• Full name and surname of the applicant.
• Physical address.
• Contact details (applicants must have a cell phone number and next of kin contact details). 
• Active email address. 
• Name of degree that the applicant is registered for. 
• Duration of the degree that the applicant is registered for.
• Name of attended high school (Bursaries South Africa, 2023). 

Email the application form as well as the supporting documents to bursaries@motsepefoundation.org.

Students who are accepted will be accepted on a preliminary basis. Final offers will be offered to students after submitting:

• Final matric results. 
• Acceptance letter from the university or proof of registration. 
• Student number.
• Fees statement (if applicants a current University student). 

(Bursaries South Africa, 2023).

The Motsepe Foundation strives to reduce poverty through education initiatives and job creation, with a focus on marginalised and rural communities (Motsepe Foundation, 2023).