The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) has reaffirmed its commitment to education and youth empowerment through the official handover of bursaries to 81 deserving young people for the 2026 academic year.

The handover, led by Executive Mayor Princess Faku, highlighted the transformative power of education and BCMM s ongoing efforts to give practical meaning to the Freedom Charter s call to open the doors of learning. The Mayoral Bursary Fund prioritises scarce skills such as Engineering, Finance, Planning and Science, and covers tuition, accommodation, meals, study materials and also offers experiential learning and internship opportunities.

This year s handover carried special significance with the official renaming of the fund in honour of the late Ntombikayise Tom, former MMC for Corporate Services and Deputy Chairperson of the Dr W.B. Rubusana Region. Kayise Tom was a firm believer in lifelong learning and empowerment through education, noting her academic background in Analytical Chemistry and municipal governance; the renaming stands as a lasting tribute to her service, dedication and the many lives she touched”, said Mayor Faku.

BCMM has once again sustained its unwavering commitment to education, youth empowerment and the building of a skilled, capable and inclusive society. The bursary fund has changed lives in the past, continues to do so today, and remains a powerful investment in the future of Buffalo City.

The metro congratulates all the beneficiaries and wishes them success as they pursue their studies and contribute to the future of the Metro.