For over 25 years Peermont Hotels, Casinos and Resorts (previously Global Resorts) has been in the business of making the tertiary education dreams of hundreds of deserving young people become a reality through the various CSI programmes supported by the well-known hospitality and entertainment company’s properties.

This year is no exception with the Southern Highveld Community Development Trust (SHCDT) a social investment initiative supported by Peermont’s Graceland Hotel Casino & Country Club in Secunda awarding nine all-expenses paid scholarships, valued at over R170 000 each, to worthy youngster from the Gert Sibande region in Mpumalanga.

Apart from the nine selected after a stringent selection and interview process for the SHCDT bursary “Class of 2025” the Trust also renewed its financial support of 10 students already in the scholarship programme.

Much to the delight of the new recipients they received their scholarship letters, laptops, clothing vouchers and education packs when they attended an induction ceremony at the Palace of Dreams on Saturday morning, February 15.

Addressing the students, their families, current bursars and guests from the Department of Education and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality at the induction, Peermont HR Executive and Head of CSI, Fihliwe Molefi said, “Today is more than just a ceremony, it is a celebration of potential, perseverance and the power of education to transform Lives.

“It is a reaffirmation of Peermont’s unwavering commitment to empowering young minds and building a brighter future for our communities. Education is the foundation upon which nations are built and through these bursaries we are investing in the future leaders, problem-solvers and changemakers of tomorrow.”

On had to induct the thrilled SHCDT scholarship recipients into the “Peermont Bursary Family” was SHCDT Chairman, JP Mlangeni, Graceland’s General Manager, Charlene Ludick and the Resort and Casino’s Financial Manager, Lindiwe Pieterse.

First to get his scholarship letter, pack and laptop was Leandra resident and Vukuqhakaze Secondary School matriculant, Mfundo Zulu, who is doing a BEng Tech Mechanical Engineering degree at UJ.

Also heading to UJ thanks to the Trust is another Vukuqhakaze matriculant, Thokozile Simphiwe Skhosana who has his sights set on a BEng Chemical Engineering degree while Trichardt youngster, Gift Ntando Nkosi is doing a BSc in Mining Engineering degree at Wits.

The remaining bursars, all from Embalenhle, include former KI Twala Secondary School learners Ntombizodwa Cynthia Maseko, who is off to follow her dreams of studying for a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Aeronautical) degree at Wits and Noluthando Ngcobo who is heading to the University of Pretoria to do a BSc in Computer Science degree.

Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School matriculants, Happy Ntombenhle Mtsweni and Njabulo Mhlanga are thrilled they can now respectively study BSc in Chemical Engineering at Wits and Bachelor of Accounting at UJ without any financial worries.

Rounding out the SHCDT new bursary group from Embalenhle were Osizweni Secondary School’s Khanyisile Precious Sikhosana who will do a BSc in Mining Engineering at Wits and former Kiriyatswane Secondary School learner, Nhlanhla Prince Hadebe who is attending UJ to do a BSc in Life Environment Sc in Botany & Zoology.

Speaking at the conclusion of the SHCDT inductions the Trust’s chairperson, JP Mlangeni said that the impact of this scholarships goes far beyond numbers. “What we see unfolding before us is the beginning of generational change. Through the Southern Highveld Community Development Trust, we are investing not only in individual students but in the future of families and entire communities. These bursaries are opening doors for young people who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue higher education, giving them the tools to break cycles of poverty, expand their horizons, and contribute meaningfully to society.”

Mlangeni also made mention of Mike Sibeko, the first SHCDT bursary recipient back in 2000. “Mike’s story is one of resilience and determination, and today, as he walks alongside many others who have followed in his footsteps, he represents the hope and potential that the Trust envisioned when it began. Graduates like him are not only equipped with knowledge and skills but have become role models, showing others that their dreams are within reach. As they transition into the workforce, they take with them the values of dedication and excellence—values that will shape the communities they return to and, indeed, influence our society at large.”

Not only does the scholarship programme cover all the bursars’ tuition and accommodation expenses, books, a laptop and a stipend students are provided with a comprehensive mentorship programme to enable them to cope and develop new skills during their time at university. Regular mentorship meetings and workshops are also held with the students to ensure that they receive the much-needed socio-psychological support to increase their chances of graduating.

Speaking on behalf of the inductees, new bursar Noluthando Ngcobo said, “Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives, and Peermont’s commitment to supporting students like us demonstrates a profound belief in the potential we hold.

“This bursary not only alleviates the financial burdens that often accompany our studies but also empowers us to focus on our academic pursuits without the constant worry of financial strain. For many of us, this bursary means the difference between pursuing our dreams and being held back by financial limitations. It allows us to dedicate ourselves fully to our studies, to immerse ourselves in the learning process and to seize opportunities that we might otherwise have missed. We understand that education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about preparing to make meaningful contribution to society and your (Peermont’s) support plays an important role in this journey.

“With your generosity we can envision a world where our dreams are within reach. We can aspire to become leaders in our fields, innovators and change-makers who will positively impact our communities and the world at large. Your investment in our education is an investment in a brighter future, not just for us individually, but for society as a whole.”

ENDS