STUDENTS AWARDED FULL SCHOLARSHIPS

May 2025.

Three students from within the local communities surrounding Cookhouse, Eastern Cape, have been awarded full scholarships for the 2025 academic year. Funded through the Cookhouse Wind Farm Scholarship Programme, which has been supporting local youth since its launch in 2015, the scholarship funds tertiary education for youth in fields crucial to the country’s economic development.

“These scholarships are not just about giving students the chance to study; they are about building a sustainable, educated workforce that can drive economic growth and make a positive impact on society. We are proud to support these students on their educational journeys and are excited to see the impact they will make in their communities,” said Lifa Baskiti, Social Performance Practitioner for Cookhouse Wind Farm.

The three students selected this year include: Ambesa Mazaleni from Cookhouse, a first-year student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) studying towards a BSc Agricultural Science; Sinesipho Myeki from Somerset East, a first-year student pursuing an MBCHB Medicine at Walter Sisulu University; and Siyolise Samsam from Somerset East, a second-year student at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) studying towards a BCom Accounting.

The selection process for this year’s scholarships was based on the students’ academic achievements, their passion for their chosen fields, and their dedication to personal growth. With these three new recipients, the Cookhouse Wind Farm Scholarship Programme now supports a total of seven students.

“This bursary has been a game-changer in my academic journey. It has not only lifted the financial weight of tuition and study materials, but also given me access to mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities that are preparing me for the professional world. Because of this support, I can fully focus on achieving my goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant,” said Siyolise Samsam.

The recipients have received full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, stationery, and living allowances, along with ongoing mentorship and skills development. The programme’s holistic approach ensures that students not only receive financial support but also guidance on emotional intelligence, work readiness, and thinking agility, particularly for final-year, honours, and postgraduate students.