/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Transnet this week launched its bursary drive by inviting eligible students to apply for about 171 bursaries and a training programme for Chartered Accountants.

This is in line with the company’s commitment to expand and strengthen its skills base, with a particular focus on scarce skills in the engineering and accounting fields.

Transnet has set aside R7, 6 billion over the next 10 years for skills development and bursaries as part of its rolling R380 billion infrastructure investment programme, the Market Demand Strategy. About R1, 2bn of this amount will be spent on bursaries.
   
The bursaries are for full-time study towards a Bachelor of Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at any South African University in the following disciplines:

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering (heavy current)
• Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Metallurgy Engineering (physical)

The bursary covers full costs, including tuition fees, accommodation and meals, a book allowance, a computer (from 2nd year if required), and on-the-job training.

Last year, the company awarded comprehensive bursaries to 155 students and currently has 534 bursars in the pipeline. Transnet has funded 3 288 students since the launch of its bursary scheme in 1994. Amongst the beneficiaries of Transnet’s training programmes  are top executives who rose through the ranks, including Mr Krishna Reddy, Chief Capital Officer responsible for Transnet’s capital expenditure programme and Mr Herbert Msagala, Group Executive, Mr Mohammed Abdool, Chief Financial Officer at Transnet National Ports Authority, and Ms Tanuja Naidoo, Chief Financial Officer at Transnet Pipelines.

Transnet also offers a three-year learnership programme for candidates with a Certificate in Theory of Accounting (CTA) or Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting (Bcompt/Hons) or equivalent.  Transnet’s Chartered Accountants Training programme is accredited with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and provides practical experience and preparation for board examinations.

There are currently 20 black professionals across Transnet in various stages of the programme rotated to the head office and several of the company’s business units. Since inception, 30 students have successfully completed the programme, with more than 10 currently employed in senior and executive positions within the company.

The programme includes extensive training in financial management, management decision-making, financial accounting, internal audit & corporate governance, auditing & assurance and taxation. This also includes the professional skills like interpersonal & communication skills, intellectual skills, personal skills, and organisational & management skills.

In addition, Transnet‘s training plans are responsive to the critical skills requirements of the wider economy. The company has established feeder pipelines for critical skills categories including artisans, engineers and technicians and sector specific initiatives.

In the financial year to March 2016, Transnet absorbed 563 engineering technicians and 613 apprentices into its work integrated learning experience programme.  A total of 3 145 apprentices are currently in the system.  In terms of sector-specific skills development, our focus is primarily on marine, port, rail and cargo handling. Transnet had 3 320 learners participating in these programmes in the last financial year.

Bursaries Entry Requirements
Grade 12 learners with outstanding achievements in Mathematics and Physical Science and should be South African.

Chartered Accountants Training Programme
Minimum entry requirement is the Certificate in Theory of Accounting (CTA) or an BCompt Hons/final year. Current final year CTA students are also eligible to apply.

Applications open in May and close in July of each year.

For further information, visit Transnet careers at www.transnet.net.

Issued by Transnet