The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) is calling on talented young South Africans to apply for the 2026 Bursary. The department has set out eligibility criteria, fields of study covered and closing date for all applications. There is also a set of supporting documents you are required to submit with your application. This article discusses everything you need to know before your apply for the DEDEAT Bursary.
About The Eastern Cape DEDEAT
The Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism act as a powerhouse the province’s economic growth. It oversees trade development and business regulation to environmental compliance and tourism promotion.
It supports strategic entities like Coega, ECDC, East London IDZ, Eastern Cape Liquor Board, Eastern Cape Gambling Board, and Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency. These are key drivers of the province’s economic development.
The bursary programme was established with the main objective of supporting these entities with required skills. It also helps address youth unemployment which is today around 60%. The province believes that fields like renewable energy and environmental policy must be prioritised to support economic development.
Fields of Study Covered by the DEDEAT Bursary
The bursary is a strategic investment to disciplines that blend economics, environment, and empowerment. The 2026 academic year bursary covers the following fields of study:
Economic Development
- Business Law (with a focus on Consumer Studies)
- BCom/BA in Statistics, Human Ecology, Community Development, or International Studies (emphasizing Development Infrastructure, Transport Economics)
- BSc in Energy Studies or Master’s in Renewable and Sustainable Development
- BTech/BSc in Agri-Economics (targeting Manufacturing, Agricultural Sector Development, Urban Planning, Industrial Engineering)
Environmental Affairs
- BSc in Environmental Science (Waste Management or Air Quality Management)
- Degrees in Environmental Policy Planning, Design, Sociology, or Environmental Economics
- Environmental Management, Biodiversity, Coastal/Marine Management, or Climate Change studies
- BSc in Environmental Chemistry or Marine Biology
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
If you are ready to commit to full-time studies in 2026, below are the requirements you must meet:
- South African citizen living in the Eastern Cape Province.
- Completed Matric (Grade 12) with strong marks.
- Undergraduate or postgraduate studies in a recognised South African tertiary institution.
- Previously disadvantaged individuals.
- Preference is given to applicants pursuing their first degree.
- Preference is given to first time DEDEAT bursary holders.
Bursary Coverage and Benefits
The bursary covers tuition fees, registration and relevant study materials. This allows you to focus on your studies while the stress of expenses is taken care of by the DEDEAT.
How to Apply?
Apply now by collecting application forms from the following offices:
- Head Office (Bhisho) Location: Phalo House, Bhisho 5605 (Private Bag X0054, Bhisho, 5605) Contact Person: Mr Thabo Manentsa Email: Thabo.Manentsa@dedea.gov.za Cellphone: 066 486 8229
- Alfred Nzo District Office Location: ERF 206, Magistrate Street, Maluti, 4740 Contact Person: Ms Nontuthuzelo Magugu (Assistant Director: Administration) Telephone: 039 256 0229 Cellphone: 083 254 8462 Email: nontuthuzelo.magugu@dedea.gov.za
- Amathole District Office Location: Alderwood House, Palm Square Business Park, Beacon Bay, East London Contact Person: Mr Vukile Mayisela (Assistant Director: Administration) Telephone: 043 707 4000 Cellphone: 078 801 5814 Email: vukile.mayisela@dedea.gov.za
- Chris Hani District Office Location: Banthandwa Ndodo, Komani Office Park, Komani, Endimangeni Contact Person: Mr Nyhweba Dyani (Assistant Director: Administration) Telephone: 045 809 4000 Cellphone: 083 382 1704 Email: Nyhweba.dyani@dedea.gov.za
- Joe Gqabi District Office Location: 27 Queen Terrace, Old Library Building, Aliwal North, 9750 Contact Person: Mr Thandile Tokwe (Assistant Director: Administration) Telephone: 051 633 2901 Cellphone: 066 689 5572 Email: Thandile.tokwe@dedea.gov.za
- OR Tambo District Office Location: Corner Owen & Leeds Street, 5th Floor, Botha Sigcau Building, Mthatha, 5099 (Private Bag X5029, Mthatha, 5099) Contact Person: Ms Asanda Sogoni (Assistant Director: Administration) Telephone: 047 531 1191 Cellphone: 071 683 0219 Email: asanda.sogoni@dedea.gov.za
- Sarah Baartman District Office Location: Private Bag X5001, Greenacres, 6057 Contact Person: Ms Ashley Poggenpoel (Assistant Director: Administration) Telephone: 041 508 5826 Cellphone: 069 007 2148 Email: ashley.poggenpoel@dedea.gov.za
Required Supporting Documents
Make sure to include certified copies of all the following documents. These must go together with your fully completed application form:
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate, final results, or latest progress report
- Proof of acceptance or admission from your tertiary institution (must be on the institution’s official letterhead)
- Full academic transcript if you are currently enrolled at a tertiary institution
- Certified copies of your parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
- Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ income (e.g., recent payslips if employed; affidavit if unemployed; or affidavit plus certified copy of pension card if on pension)
- Proof of address
Closing Date
31 December 2025.
(Apply now before the closing date – late submissions will result in your disqualification.)
This article was last updated in December 2025.
Bursary Contact Information
For bursary related queries, reach out to Mr. Thabo Manentsa at DEDEAT Head Office (066 486 8229 or Thabo.Manentsa@dedea.gov.za).
View other Government Bursaries and Scholarships still open for applications.