Bursaries give two chance at brighter future

Chanice Koopman TWO outstanding Nelson Mandela Bay pupils pursuing maritime studies in Cape Town can do so proudly wearing uniforms sponsored by the Coega Development Corporation (CDC). The pupils – Archie Leeu, 17, and Siyamthanda Vuyelwa, 15 – are recipients of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) Lawhill Maritime Studies Bursary. CDC maths and science manager Mpumezo Ndabeni said Leeu, a former Rocklands Intermediate School pupil who lived on a farm near Uitenhage, and Vuyelwa, a former Uitenhage High School pupil, of KwaNobuhle, were both from "poverty stricken areas". CDC corporate social investment manager Thandi Rayi said the two were awarded the bursaries for their hard work. "The bursary pays for their tuition and accommodation fees at the Lawhill Maritime Centre, while they attend classes at Simon's Town High School. "Further to that, the CDC will pay their transportation costs to and from Cape Town when they have to come back home for recess." The maritime sector has been identified as a critical Eastern Cape developmental sector and is one of the key areas that the CDC has identified as strategic for contributing skills to the economy of the coastal region.