The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) has once again come to the aid of MUT students. Thirty students – 80% from the Faculty of Engineering and 20% from the other faculties met the MQA staff at the Student Centre to sign contracts and listen to MQA staff as they gave the students an orientation. The MQA has been financially supporting the University students for more than 10 years and adjusting conditions along the way. The Authority also supports students from other universities of technology, traditional universities, and the TVETs.
MQA pays a full bursary to students. Cynthia Nkosi, Senior Officer: Bursaries at the University’s Financial Aid Office, said the bursary was for books, meals, and transport to the students who are living at their homes. These students receive cash for transport. MQA is supporting both new and old funding recipients. The funds will be deposited directly into the students’ accounts. The students are grateful for the assistance they receive from MQA. Thabsile Cele, a fourth-year BSc in Environmental Health student, said she was overwhelmed with gratitude for receiving the financial support from MQA. “As students, we face a lot of financial challenges leading to stress. The bursary relieved me of financial stress,” said Cele. Cele said that now she can focus on her academic work.
Ndumiso Nkabinde, a final year Chemical Engineering student, was thrilled to receive the bursary from MQA. Nkabinde said the bursary was a game changer for him.