Gautrain offers bursaries
David Masango
9 March 2006
The Gauteng provincial government and the Gautrain preferred bidder, Bombela Consortium, are offering bursaries to 15 engineering students this year.
The bursaries will be the first of many that will be awarded to students in engineering and related disciplines, according to the provincial Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works.
The bursaries will cover students' tuition fees, books and other equipment.
The students get an opportunity to gain practical experience at the head offices of the international companies involved with Bombela in France, Canada and England.
Gauteng minister for public transport, roads and works, Ignatius Jacobs, said the bursaries were the first of many positive spin-offs of the Gautrain.
"Our country needs skilled and experienced engineers to make projects like Gautrain a reality, and by giving our children the necessary skills, we are ensuring the future of this country and its people,"
Jacobs said.
"A future made possible by our own people".
He emphasised that preference would be given to Gauteng students and would focus on students from previously disadvantaged communities.
"We are especially keen to look at making the engineering profession more accessible to women," the MEC said.
The Gautrain aims to relieve the congestion of some 300 000 passengers each week travelling between the province's two biggest cities, Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Construction of the train is expected to begin this year.
Source: BuaNews
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