Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme restores the dignity of the teaching profession in South Africa

Critical teacher shortages in specified subject areas and school phases are being addressed through the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme. During the 2017 academic year, approximately 15,127 Funza Lushaka bursaries were awarded to students. Approximately 11,000 bursaries have been awarded to returning students with the balance being allocated to new bursary holders. More than 63,000 bursary applications have been received for the 2018 academic year by 06 January 2018. Applications for the 2018 academic year closed on 12 January 2018.

During the 2017 financial year, a total of just over R1 billion was allocated for the Programme. The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme provides fixed bursary values that cover student tuition fees; accommodation fees (including meals); learning material; and a R600 per month stipend to cover basic living expenses.

The Programme has contributed to a substantial increase in the uptake of initial teacher education programmes at universities. In recent years, attention has shifted from a general concern over having a sufficient number of teachers to a concern about having teacher shortages in specific subject areas and school phases.

Director for Initial Teacher Education, Mr Gerrit Coetzee, said that, “I believe that to be a teacher is a calling. I am reminded of one of our bursary holders who obtained seven distinctions in the NSC Examinations, including Mathematics and Physical Science. She could have pursued any other profession, but she chose to become a Foundation Phase teacher because it was her heart’s desire to shape the lives of young children. Becoming a teacher should never be a compromise, teaching is a noble profession”