If you live in or near Mbombela and want a funded degree that leads to a job, the Silulumanzi External Bursary Scheme is worth a close look. Applications opened on 1 October 2026 and close on 30 November 2026. Here is everything to know before you apply.
Where to apply
Silulumanzi uses a paper application form rather than an online portal. The official page is the best place to start, and the company’s contact page lists how to reach them.
- Official bursary page: https://www.silulumanzi.com/training-and-development
- Contact page: https://www.silulumanzi.com/contact-us
I couldn’t find a verified direct download link for the 2027 form. Don’t trust third-party PDFs, because older forms circulate online. Applicants should obtain the latest application form and follow its final submission instructions carefully. Forms can be collected from any Silulumanzi Customer Care Office in KaNyamazane, Matsulu or Mbombela/Nelspruit.
About Silulumanzi
Silulumanzi is a private water service provider operating within a contractually defined area of the City of Mbombela Local Municipality. It supplies roughly 120 million litres of drinking water a day to about 400,000 people, and was established in 1999. The bursary exists to build local skills, and it was set up to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue careers in the water sector. silumumanzi student bursaries +2
What the bursary covers
Funding covers registration, tuition, accommodation and prescribed study materials. The sources I found don’t state a rand amount, so ask Silulumanzi what the package looks like for your institution.
The bursary is not a one-off grant. It is awarded for one year at a time and renewed annually based on your academic performance. Passing your modules on time is how you keep it.
Fields of study
The 2027 fields should be confirmed on the application form. Earlier cycles, including the 2025 intake, covered these areas:
- Engineering: Chemical, Civil, Electrical (heavy or light current) and Mechanical
- Science and technical: Biology, Environmental Science (National Diploma), Information Technology, Instrumentation and Water Care (National Diploma)
- Technical trades: Fitter and Turner, Fitting (including Machinery) and Millwright
- Other: Quantity Surveying (BSc)
Who can apply
Based on the 2027 listings and previous years, you generally need to:
- Be a South African citizen
- Have a Grade 12 Bachelor Pass, or be in matric now
- Have Level 6 in both Mathematics and Science
- Study full-time at an accredited South African university, university of technology or college
- Show genuine interest in the water industry
The bursary also gives preference to some applicants. Preference goes to qualifying applicants from Silulumanzi’s concession areas, previously disadvantaged individuals, women and persons with disabilities. The concession areas include Mbombela (Nelspruit), KaNyamazane, Matsulu and surrounding communities. You aren’t automatically excluded if you live elsewhere, but living in the area strengthens your application.
This does not replace your university application
A bursary application does not replace your university or college application. If you haven’t secured admission, keep following your institution’s admission process. Apply to your institution and to Silulumanzi at the same time.
Documents to prepare
Previous cycles asked for the following, and the 2027 form may add more:
- Completed application form
- Certified copies of your ID and academic records
- Proof of residence
- A motivational letter on why you chose your field
- A CV, if the form requests one
Start early. Certified copies and proof of residence often take longer to get than people expect.
How to submit
The form is submitted by post or hand delivery. In earlier years, postal applications went to the Bursary Department, Human Resources, PO Box 12753, Mbombela, 1200, while hand delivery was accepted at the customer care offices. Confirm the current address on the 2027 form. If you post it, allow extra days and keep proof of postage.
What happens after you graduate
Bursary recipients are expected to work for Silulumanzi afterwards. In the 2025 cycle, graduates joined as interns for a period equal to the length of their funding. Silulumanzi’s own site says graduates work for the company if suitable vacancies exist when they finish. Read your contract carefully so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to.
Selection and feedback
Selection is merit-based, and only shortlisted applicants are contacted. If you hear nothing within a reasonable time, treat the application as unsuccessful. Keep applying elsewhere in the meantime
Tips for a stronger application
- Apply early. Don’t wait for the last week of November.
- Write a specific motivation letter. Explain why water and sanitation matter to you, ideally with a local example from Mbombela.
- Fill in every section. Incomplete forms are easy to reject.
- Keep your marks strong. Level 6 is the minimum, and higher results help.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Contact Silulumanzi directly through the official contact page if anything is unclear.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an online application? None that I could verify. Use the paper form and the official page above.
Can I apply if I’m still in matric? Yes, previous cycles allowed it.
Is the bursary renewable? Yes, each year, depending on your results.
Is it only for people from Mbombela? Preference goes to concession-area residents, but eligibility is for South African citizens generally. Check the form for current rules.
Details came from third-party listings published in the last few days, so verify the closing date, fields and address against the official form. I can also put this article in a Word or PDF file if you’d like.
Conversation
0 Comments