Although RBH has no external bursary scheme, it does assist the RBA in identifying in-service training opportunities and jobs for the approximate 200 RBN bursars. Fraser Alexander runs one year experiential training programmes for trainees.
After discussions with Astrapak in the early 2005 to identify the specific needs of the company in terms of skills and qualifications, it was agreed that Astrapak would fund the following bursaries at the Tshwane Institute of Technology:
Royal Bafokeng Finance (RBF) advertised in the local newspapers (Rustenburg Herald, Khumo and Segoagoe) to encourage applications. These were processed and a group of 18 candidates performed aptitude tests on 31 May 2005 at the Tshwane Institute of Technology (TUT).
Three Bafokeng students successfully passed the aptitude test at the Tshwane Institute of Technology. These were Karabo Mogotsi, Mechanical Engineering, Pule Oepeng, Mechanical Engineering, and Tumisang Thekoeng, Electrical Engineering. They began their registration at TUT on 19 July 2005.
RBF worked closely with Astrapak to negotiate bursary terms and undertakings and has supervised these students and provided them with appropriate support and mentorship.
A further three students entered the bursary programme in January 2006. These were Peter Matabane (Electrical Engineering), Lebogang Magano (Mechanical Engineering) and Abel Mokgethi (Polymer Technology).
Unfortunately, due to lack in performance, two students have been discontinued from the programme, so that at present there are only 4 students that are considered Astrapak bursars.
