Corporate sponsors include Westcon, Primedia, Peermont, Set Point, Shanduka, Masana, National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Mineworkers Investment Trust (MIT) and Elijah Barayi Memorial Training Centre (EBMTC).
"We are humbled by the number of organisations that see value in this course and have lent a helping hand," says the fund's principal officer, Jako Mokgosi.
Funding and encouraging the awards initiative is a long-term contribution that not only benefits the recipients but the country's economy, once its beneficiaries are employed.
A new addition to the award ceremony this year is a networking morning where graduates will have the opportunity to interact face to face with potential employers. These includes investee partners and other interested companies in the form of a three-hour prompt networking session, with the prospect of graduates being offered employment at one of the successful companies.
"Our aim with this networking session is to bridge the gap between graduates and prospective employees and also to help unearth the top future employees for our investee partners and other interested companies," says MIC CEO, Mary Bomela.
"We believe in empowering our graduates who will in turn make a difference in their community and add value to our economy," says Mokgosi. He added that the Trust believes in giving back and therefore the graduates should uphold their qualifications with pride and pass on the knowledge to their peers.
• Most Consistent Learner Award
• JB Marks Merit Award (for three students with the highest aggregate marks who complete their studies within the prescribed timeframe)
• JB Marks Course Awards (for seven top achievers in the fields of commerce and management, engineering and the built environment, science, social sciences, computer studies and technology, medical studies, and the arts and performing arts)
• JB Marks Leader of the Year Award (for a member of the JB Marks graduate group that contributes most to community development)
Since its inception 16 years ago, 750 recipients have graduated and there are 235 recipients currently studying at various tertiary institutions across South Africa through the JB Marks bursary.
