Media & News

Media Release: SANParks announces bursary scheme for UP environmental students

Back to all news

Date: 28th June 2012

As part its Corporate Social Investment programme, South African National Parks (SANParks) in partnership with the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF), handed over a bursary to the value of R1 million to students studying Social Sciences, Heritage Conservation and related fields at the University of Pretoria (UP).

The bursary scheme is part of SANParks Social Science Student Support Programme, a multi-year programme that supports tertiary learning and research. 

According to General Manager: PR, Media Liaison and Stakeholder Relations, Reynold Thakhuli, “this programme will go a long way in benefitting  scientific research within SANParks and the entire environment and conservation fraternity as a number of professions that relate to fields of study offered by UP fit in with SANParks operations, including conservation management and research”. 

“The Social Science Student Support Programme strives to identify, educate and equip students who have the potential to excel and make a significant impact in the Social Sciences, Heritage Conservation and related fields.” SANParks is committed to contributing to South Africa’s national skills development agenda and is one of the leading conservation institutions in South Africa taking part in social investment through education.  

The programme started in 2011. In this academic year, 24 students are beneficiaries. “The aim of the programme is to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable, and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organization,” said Thakhuli. 

These bursaries are awarded to students studying in fields related to professions considered important for the operations and mission of SANParks and SANParks will support the full period of study within the specified fields relevant to SANParks. 
 

Prof. Antonie de Klerk (Executive Director, UP) and Themba Mabilane (Chief Financial Officer, SANParks)


The students of the Social Science Students Support Programme
 

Issued by:
SANParks Corporate Communications 

For media enquiries:
Gabrielle “Gabby” Venter
Manager: Media and Stakeholder Relations, SANParks.
Tel: 012 426-5065; Cell: 083 825-9435.
Email: gabrielle.venter@sanparks.org