The Mandeni Local Municipality invites students who reside within its jurisdiction to apply for the bursary to help them with registration. The aim is to provide financial support (registration) to historically disadvantaged students pursuing tertiary education in 2026. As youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge in KwaZulu-Natal, this bursary offers a vital financial assistance—covering registration fees for qualifying applicants.
About Mandeni Local Municipality
The Mandeni Local Municipality is more than an administrative hub—it’s a beacon of opportunity in an area rich with industrial potential yet challenged by inequality. Programmes like this registration bursary demonstrates its commitment to curb youth unemployment.
As Municipal Manager Mr. S.G. Khuzwayo affirms in the guidelines, this is about “providing financial assistance to potential students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.” Early applicants, especially matriculants eyeing 2026 intake, stand the best chance—priority flows to fresh talent.
Expenses Covered by the Mandeni Municipality Bursary
The Mandeni Municipality Bursary Programme 2026 is beneficial for matriculants and first-year students who might otherwise be deterred by upfront expenses. Unlike comprehensive bursaries that cover tuition or accommodation, this one focuses on the gateway to education: registration only. By alleviating this immediate burden, Mandeni Municipality enables students to enroll at recognized institutions without delay.
Successful applicants can seek further funding opportunities through national schemes like NSFAS. It caters for first-year undergraduate students from the jurisdiction of Mandeni Local Municipality.
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is straightforward but selective, ensuring resources benefit those most in need. Key requirements include:
• Residency and Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens residing within the Mandeni Local Municipality jurisdiction. This geographic focus strengthens community ties and supports local talent retention.
• Academic Merit: Matriculants or first-entry students who meet the admission criteria of their chosen tertiary institution are prioritized. Preference is given to those who excel academically or show clear potential, with a nod to applicants already enrolled or provisionally accepted.
• Age and Enrollment: Candidates must fall within the youth category as defined by law (under 35) and be pursuing studies at a registered higher learning institution in South Africa.
The bursary programme explicitly welcomes students with disabilities, aligning with broader inclusivity goals.
How to Apply?
If you are from areas under the Mandeni Local Municipality and you meet all requirements, you can collect the application form from Mandeni Youth Advisory Centre.
Alternatively you can download the Mandeni Municipality Bursary Application Form 2026.
Required Documents:
1. Municipal Bursary Application Form: Available from Mandeni Libraries, the municipal website (www.mandeni.gov.za), or the Youth Advisory Centre (Love Life).
2. Certified Copies: ID document and latest academic results.
3. Proof of Income: Guardian or parent’s income affidavit, highlighting financial need.
4. Acceptance Letter: Provisional or final from a recognized institution (if secured).
5. Motivation Statement: A brief letter explaining why you deserve consideration—your story of resilience and ambition.
6. Proof of Address: Issued by your ward councillor.
7. Comprehensive CV: Including contact details for easy follow-up.
Once completed, the form must be endorsed by your ward councillor, verifying residency, voter registration, and household authenticity. Applicants bear full responsibility for completeness; incomplete submissions risk disqualification.
Aplication Submission
Hand-deliver your stamped application to the Mandeni Youth Advisory Centre (Love Life) for the attention of Mr. N.M. Mazibuko.
Closing Date
Friday, January 31, 2026.
Successful applicants will be notified within 20 working days post-closure. If no response, consider your application unsuccessful to manage expectations.
Bursary Contact Information
For queries, contact Mr. N.M. Mazibuko on 083 676 2540 or email address wiseman.mdakane@mandeni.gov.za. The municipal website also hosts downloadable forms and updates.
See more Government Bursaries and Scholarships for 2026 academic year.