July 2022.
Jandré Cloete (23) is a final year Boston City College Bachelor of Commerce, Law student whose childhood dream to become a lawyer was reignited when he was awarded a study bursary from Konkoonsies Solar Power. Born in Pofadder, this local has big plans to help the community that supported him, once he has completed his studies.
“The bursary meant I was able to do something I’ve always wanted to do and that is to study law. For my family it shows that there can be success in the greater means of Pofadder, and we really can become who we aspire to be, despite our circumstances. It is my belief that we don’t become anything other than who we are meant to be,” commented Jandré Cloete.
After placing third in a Moot Court competition, a mock trial where aspiring law students present their hypothetical cases to a judge, in his matric year, Jandré knew that this is what he wanted to do. Additionally, once a qualified lawyer he would like to go back to Pofadder to help give back to his community through offering pro-bono legal services and ultimately opening an NPO.
“We appreciate seeing a bursary student so passionate about giving back to his community, which is what the programme is all about. The core objective of this initiative is to provide graduates with an opportunity to gain a tertiary education, with the hope that once qualified, they will drive their skills back into their hometown,” said Harrisinah Theka, Economic Development Specialist for Konkoonsies Solar Power.
Jandré is one of two beneficiaries of the Konkoonsies Solar Power bursary programme for this year, which is open to learners living in Pella, Pofadder and Onseepkans. The financial assistance covers the cost of tuition fees, travel, accommodation costs, book allowances and even a stipend. It focuses on building scarce skills in the communities, with the intention of graduates returning to their hometowns and bringing back their skills.
