More than a decade after finishing high school, Boshof local Bernice Tshiamo Segopolo (30) is realising her dream of pursuing a career in law, having recently been awarded a community bursary by Boshof Solar Power.
Her successful application was supported by a collaborative effort between the solar plant and the Tokologo Local Municipality.
Segopolo has begun a three-year Bachelor of Commerce degree in Law through Stadio Higher Education.
“Boshof is a small community, and there are not many people working in this field. I want to be the first to introduce something like this. I hope to one day start my own business and show others in the community that it’s possible. I want to empower my community,” she said.
“I believe if you have an education, it is empowering. It teaches you to reach for the sky. Economic hardship is widespread, but education gives you a platform for a better life. It makes it possible to breathe.”
Bernice Tshiamo Segopolo
In addition to funding bursaries, the wind farm partnered with the municipality to support community members in accessing higher education. This included assistance with applications and document preparation. As a result, the highest number of bursary recipients to date was achieved, with four new awards granted.
“We’ve seen first-hand how motivated young people in Boshof are to continue their studies,” said Noluthando Mazibuko, economic development specialist at Boshof Solar Power. “With local business activity on the decline, many youth feel disheartened. Initiatives like this bursary programme provide a pathway forward, offering both direction and hope.”
The Boshof Solar Power bursary programme adopts a holistic approach to student support, prioritising financial need, academic potential, gender, and geographic proximity by focusing on beneficiaries living within a 50km radius of the solar plant.
