Impala Rustenburg has awarded 37 new university bursaries for the 2026 academic year, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to youth development and the long-term sustainability of its mine communities.
The bursary programme remains a cornerstone of the company’s broader skills development strategy, aimed at building a strong pipeline of qualified professionals across both core mining disciplines and critical support functions. By investing in education aligned to operational and industry needs, Impala Rustenburg is helping to improve employability, strengthen local participation in the mining value chain and support broader community stability.
This year, 37 students from local mine communities and surrounding areas have been selected to pursue tertiary studies in fields aligned to operational and professional needs. The disciplines include mining engineering, mechanical engineering, geology, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, metallurgy, information technology and information management, human resources, accounting, nursing and teaching.
Mechanical engineering represents the largest intake with eight bursaries awarded, followed by seven in mining engineering and six in accounting. Four students will study geology, while three have been awarded bursaries in chemical engineering. Two bursaries each have been allocated to electrical engineering, information technology and nursing. Single bursaries have been awarded in human resources, metallurgy and teaching.
Of the 37 bursaries awarded, 19 were granted to female students and 18 to male students, reflecting a near-equal gender distribution and continued progress in expanding access to higher education opportunities across disciplines.
The selected students attended schools including Mmanape Secondary, Matsukubyane Secondary School, Freedom Park Secondary, Platinum Village Secondary, Hoërskool Rustenburg, Grenville High School, Fields College, Sekete Meridian, St Annes High, Molotlegi Secondary School, Charora Secondary School, Keledi Secondary, Boitekong II, President Mangope, Diteho Secondary, Bafokeng Secondary, Itumeleng Secondary and Nural-Iman-Muslim School.
They will be pursuing their studies at institutions such as the University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, University of the Witwatersrand, North-West University, Tshwane University of Technology, University of the Western Cape, Nelson Mandela University, University of the Free State, Stellenbosch University, University of Zululand and Sol Plaatje University.
Moses Motlhageng, Chief Executive of Impala Rustenburg, says, “Our bursary programme reflects our belief that meaningful, long-term community development begins with education. By investing in young people from our mine communities, we are helping to build the skills, confidence and leadership needed for the future. This is not only an investment in individuals, but in the sustainability and growth of the region as a whole.”
Beyond financial assistance, bursary recipients benefit from structured academic and professional support. This includes bi-annual check-in sessions, mentorship from experienced subject matter experts within the business, and vacation work opportunities at Impala Rustenburg during December and January. Upon successful completion of their qualifications, graduates enter a structured two-year internship programme within their field of study, where they gain practical exposure, on-the-job coaching and further development.
The bursary programme forms part of Impala Rustenburg’s broader youth development initiatives, which also include engineering learnerships, mining cadet programmes, graduate internships and experiential traineeships. Together, these initiatives provide multiple pathways for young people to access education, technical training and sustainable employment.
