Thembisa youngsters get all-expenses paid scholarships from Emperors Trusts

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 Peermont Education Trust (PET) and Peermont Community Benefit Trust (PCBT), two community social investment initiatives supported by Peermont’s flagship property, Emperors Palace, awarding a combined 17 all-expenses paid scholarships, valued at over R170 000 each, to worthy youngsters from Ekurhuleni.

Apart from the 17 selected after a stringent selection and interview process for the PET and PCBT bursary Class of 2025, the Trusts also renewed the financial support of 16 students already in the scholarship programme.

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

Six Ekurhuleni youngsters, who have visions of successful careers in the hospitality and tourism industry, were inducted into the PCBT Class of 2025 by Peermont HR operations manager, Tebogo Matlhakola, and Emperors Palace’s groups and conventions manager, Chantal Croaster.

The six deserving candidates already checked into the Swiss Hotel School’s residence in Johannesburg on February 1 to start their journey towards obtaining their Bachelor of Hospitality degrees.

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Among the six are former Tembisa Commerce and Entrepreneurship School of Specialisation with focus on hospitality and tourism learners, Thato Mnguni and Khaya Yende.

After matriculating in 2023 Mnguni decided to open a mini coffee bar next to his old school called the Cosy Corner Café.

After gaining some experience running his own business, he decided to apply for a PET bursary as he felt it was time to study and gain more knowledge of the hospitality industry.

After impressing the PET trustees during the interview process, this budding young entrepreneur can now follow his dream of obtaining a Bachelor of Hospitality degree without any financial concerns.

Yende, who enjoys baking, matriculated last year from Tembisa SOS with a distinction in tourism and has dreams of working in the aviation industry after completing her degree.

Before going on to assist in inducting the 11 PET bursars, Trust chairperson ,Tshidi Madima, Molefi, and Emperors Palace CFO and PET and PCBT Trustee, Thembekile Makhoba, imparted some words of wisdom with the scholarship inductees.

“The road ahead will require dedication, resilience, and hard work, but remember that you are not alone. You have an entire community behind you, you also have Trust manager Thomas Masango as your mentor and he is there to assist you navigate the challenges of higher education and life.”

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Of the 11 PET bursars, Godwill Shabalala and Tshepiso Kola are also from Thembisa, with Shabalala having matriculated with four distinctions in 2021 from Tembisa Secondary School (which has since become Tembisa SOS). After school he went to work and studied online, but now with his Trust scholarship is off to the University of Pretoria to study a BSc in Computer Science.

Avid chess player Kola, who obtained seven distinctions and an incredible 99% for geography at Zitikeni Secondary School is heading to Wits to do a BSc Mining Engineering degree.

Not only does the scholarship programme cover all the bursars’ tuition and accommodation expenses, books, a laptop and a stipend, but all the Trusts also provide a comprehensive mentorship programme to enable the students 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 at the ceremony, 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.

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“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 contributions 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.”