Silulumanzi Bursary 2027: Tuition, Accommodation & Books, Closes 30 November

Silulumanzi, the water and wastewater services provider in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, is accepting bursary applications for the 2027 academic year. If you are in matric or have a Bachelor pass, with Level 6 in Maths and Science, the bursary pays registration, tuition, books and accommodation for engineering and water-related qualifications. Applications close on 30 November 2026.

About the Silulumanzi Bursary

Silulumanzi was established in 1999 through a Public-Private Partnership and supplies water and wastewater services in the City of Mbombela (Nelspruit). It is a subsidiary of South African Water Works and reports delivering over 120 million litres of drinking water a day to more than 400 000 people.

The bursary is meant to build a pipeline of skilled people for the water industry. It funds studies in Biology, Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Science (N.Dip), Fitter and Turner, Fitting, Information Technology, Instrumentation Mechanical, Millwright, Quantity Surveying, and Water Care (N.Dip).

Awards are based on merit, given one year at a time, and renewed based on your academic performance. In return, graduates join Silulumanzi as interns for a period equal to the funding they received. That means a funded degree and a guaranteed place to start gaining experience.

What Is Covered

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Prescribed books and study materials
• Accommodation
• Work-back internship at Silulumanzi after you graduate, equal to the period funded

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Who Can Apply

• South African citizen
• Currently in matric, or completed matric with a Bachelor pass
• Studying or intending to study full-time for an undergraduate qualification in a listed field
• Studying at, or accepted by, a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution
• At least Level 6 in matric Mathematics and Science
• A strong academic record and an interest in the water industry
• Preference for previously disadvantaged individuals, female students, students with disabilities, and residents of Silulumanzi concession areas (Mbombela, KaNyamazane, Matsulu)

Required Documents

• Certified copy of your birth certificate and ID
• Certified matric results or certificate
• Proof of tertiary acceptance and full academic record on institution letterhead
• 2025 exam results, and supplementary results if applicable
• Study fee breakdown on institution letterhead
• Proof of household income
• Proof of residence
• Motivational letter
• Proof of disability, if applicable

ALSO SEE: Emfuleni Local Municipality Bursary 2027: Tuition, Laptop & Books, Closes 30 November

How to Apply

1. Check that your chosen qualification is on the list of funded fields.
2. Collect an application form from the Silulumanzi Customer Care Offices in KaNyamazane, Matsulu or Mbombela (Nelspruit).
3. Complete the form and write your motivational letter.
4. Attach all the compulsory certified documents.
5. Post it to The Bursary Department, Human Resources, P O Box 12753, Mbombela City, 1200, or hand-deliver it to one of the three Customer Care Offices before 30 November 2026.
6. For queries, contact Silulumanzi on 013 752 6839.

Contact Silulumanzi about the bursary

Closing Date

The closing date for the Silulumanzi Bursary is 30 November 2026. No late applications will be accepted.

Why It Matters

Water infrastructure is a growing skills need in South Africa, and municipalities and service providers struggle to find engineers and technicians. A bursary that leads straight into an internship removes the two biggest barriers for young people: fees and a first job.

If you live in or near Mbombela, your residence in a concession area can count in your favour. This application is on paper, so plan for postage time or deliver it yourself, and do not leave it to the last week.

Frequently Asked Questions