The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in KwaZulu-Natal plays a pivotal role in coordinating and fostering collaboration among diverse governance institutions. Its primary objective is to ensure the delivery of high-quality services to the surrounding communities.
In alignment with the province's national imperative, the Local Government underwent a name change to The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. This transformation reflects its new and expanded mandate, which aims to significantly enhance coordination between the government, civil society, the private sector, and traditional leaders. COGTA aspires to amplify the impact of public spending, mobilize resources effectively, and guarantee the delivery of superior services, along with facilitating substantial developmental initiatives.
About the KZN COGTA Bursary
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2024 academic year.
The Bursary award is aimed at students who reside within KwaZulu-Natal, for studies towards a National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following fields of study:
- Anthropology
- Auditing
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Disaster Management
- Electrical Engineering
- Geographical Information Systems (Cartography, Geography, and Remote Sensing)
- Information Technology
- Land Surveying
- Law
- Quantity Surveying
- Risk Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Valuation
The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, meals and a stipend.
Successful candidates will enter a bursary contract for the number of years equivalent to the duration of their qualification. The candidate will also be expected to serve the Department for the same number of years specified in their contract.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 4 months of the closing date – if you do not receive any feedback by this time, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Requirements for the KZN COGTA Bursary
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must reside within KwaZulu-Natal province
- You must be between 18 and 35 years old
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- You must be studying or intend on studying full-time, towards a National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree within one of the aforementioned fields of study
- You be studying or provisionally accepted/ accepted to study at a public tertiary institution in KwaZulu-Natal (bursaries may be awarded for studies outside of KZN if the qualification is not available at a tertiary institutions in KwaZulu-Natal or you were not accepted to study at a tertiary institution in KwaZulu-Natal)
- Candidates living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
How to apply
Download and complete the KZN COGTA Bursary Application Form 2024 (.pdf)
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Grade 11 final results and Matric mid-year results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
- Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
- Full academic record, if already studying (this must show marks, symbols and examination percentages) (certified copy)
- Acceptance letter from a tertiary institution (on institutions letterhead)
- Proof of non-acceptance by tertiary institutions within KZN (if applying for studies outside of KZN) (on institutions letterhead)
- Academic curriculum (showing the number of years of study, modules and subjects for your chosen qualification)
- List of tuition fees (print out from the tertiary institution)
- Parents or guardians ID documents or death certificates (certified copies)
- Parents or guardians income and expenditure statement
- Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit or letter from the Department of Labor if unemployed)
- Proof of residence
- Motivational letter stating why you deserve the bursary award and your personal circumstances
Applications must be submitted in either of the following ways:
– Post:
The Bursary Unit
Human Capital Development
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Private Bag X9078
Pietermaritzburg
3200
– Hand delivery:
Natalia Building
330 Langalibalele Street
Pietermaritzburg
3201
Closing date
22 December 2023.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)