Local Student Achieves Academic Success With Bursary Support

Bella Vista community member, Amy Ludick, is a recent graduate whose academic journey reflects not only personal achievement but also the power of opportunity.  As one of the first recipients of the Perdekraal East Wind Farm Bursary Programme, she demonstrates how access to higher education can transform a young person’s future.

Awarded the bursary in 2021, Amy describes this opportunity as life-changing for both her and her family. She has since graduated with a Higher Certificate in Business Administration from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and is now pursuing a BTech in Business & Information Administration, with plans to ultimately complete a Master’s degree.

“The bursary has played a major role in my academic and personal development. It eased the financial pressure of my studies, allowing me to focus fully on my coursework and achieve my academic goals. It motivated me to work harder and reminded me that my efforts are supported and recognised. Plus, it took the strain off my parents as my brother and I were studying at the same time,” she said.

Amy chose to pursue Business & Information Administration to combine her strengths in organisation, communication, and technology. This field appealed to her because she saw it as an opening for careers in a wide range of fields, such as government, education, finance, and healthcare.

“This course equips me with skills that are in high demand, such as digital literacy, data management, customer relations, and professional communication. It’s a career path with stability, flexibility, and lots of room for growth, and my next step is to gain practical experience and eventually take on more responsibility or leadership roles,” she explained.

Her journey demonstrates the impact of the programme, which currently supports 13 students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Now, in partnership with the Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure, the wind farm supports the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme, which is an initiative that addresses critical skills shortages in engineering, construction, and renewable energy sectors, offering comprehensive financial support and mentoring to students from communities such as Ceres, Bella Vista, Nduli and Prince Alfred Hamlet.

“We are proud to support talented young people like Amy through our bursary programme. By removing financial barriers and providing mentorship, we aim to empower students to achieve their academic goals and, ultimately, give back to their communities,” concluded Gwynne-Lee Borcherds, Economic Development Manager for Perdekraal East Wind Farm. 

This bursary covers tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and essential academic needs for students pursuing accredited qualifications at recognised South African institutions.