Education remains one of the most powerful tools to change your life trajectory — especially if you come from a community where opportunities have always been limited. The Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund (VEBF) is a life-changing initiative created specifically to help people like you pursue tertiary studies, gain scarce skills, and unlock real economic mobility.
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If you are a Communicare tenant or live in previously marginalised communities within the City of Cape Town, this bursary may be the bridge that takes you from where you are today to where you dream of being.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know — the benefits, requirements, closing date, who qualifies, what the bursary covers, and how this opportunity can change your entire future.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund (VEBF) 2026 |
| Supported By | Vulamathuba Empumelelo – Communicare NPC |
| Who Should Apply? | Communicare tenants & Cape Town residents from disadvantaged backgrounds |
| Study Level | TVET Colleges & University (undergraduate level only) |
| Funding Amount | Up to R45 000 (registration, tuition, textbooks, exam fees) |
| Closing Date | 12 December 2025 |
| Priority | Public institutions in the Western Cape |
| Contact | applications@vulamathuba.org.za / 021 421 6008 |
| Community Service Requirement | 100 hours volunteer activities |
| Work-Back Requirement | After graduation, serve within Communicare group or nominated organisation |
About Vulamathuba Empumelelo
To unlock opportunities for economic mobility through education, training, and skills development.
This is a bursary programme created with purpose — not just to pay your fees, but to give you the chance to grow, build confidence, gain independence, and create a better future for your family and your community.
What the Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Covers
The bursary provides up to R45 000 — structured as:
- Registration Fees
- Tuition / Course Fees
- Textbooks & Academic Material
- Examination Fees (if applicable)
And according to the official document, it excludes:
- Electronic devices
- Stationery
- Previous student debt or old study loans
This makes it ideal for NEW or CONTINUING students who are ready to start fresh, qualify for scarce skills, and build employability.
Why This Bursary Matters — The Bigger Picture
South Africa faces a shortage of critical and scarce skills. Many young people cannot access higher education due to financial constraints. Vulamathuba Empumelelo steps in to bridge that gap — ensuring that capable, committed, hardworking individuals like you receive the support necessary to become employable and economically mobile.
This bursary is not just financial assistance…
It’s a transformation tool.
With this support, you can:
- Access career-focused education
- Study qualifications that actually improve your employability
- Build professional networks
- Serve your community
- Become part of the solution in South Africa’s long-term development
Who Should Apply?
- Age 19 to 50
- South African citizen or valid residency status
- Communicare tenants in good standing are prioritised
- Live in a previously marginalised community within City of Cape Town
- Household annual income not above R400 000
- Studying or planning to study a scarce, critical, or in-demand skill
- Studying full-time or part-time
- Grade 12 learners, past matriculants, and current tertiary students accepted
- Must be studying at a recognised public or private institution (priority: Western Cape public institutions)
Required Supporting Documents (Important!)
Identity & Residency
- Certified copy of your ID/passport (not older than 6 months)
- Proof of residence
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- For Non-SA citizens: Permanent Residency Permit or Work Visa
Household Documentation
- IDs/birth certificates/passports of ALL household members
- Proof of income for ALL household members (3 months)
- Bank statements (3 months)
- Affidavits for unemployed household members
Academic Documents
- Latest academic results or qualification
- Matric results
- Proof of registration / provisional acceptance letter
Additional
- Court orders (divorce, maintenance) if applicable
- Death certificates (if parents are deceased)
- 250-word motivational essay
Without ALL documents, your application will be disqualified.
Important Dates
- Closing Date: 12 December 2025
- Notification of Provisional Bursary Awards: 13 February 2026
If you are not contacted within two months, your application was unsuccessful.
How to Apply
APPLY ONLINE FOR THE VULAMATHUBA EMPUMELELO BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
Edupstairs Advice
If you truly want to stand out and win this bursary:
Start preparing documents early
Missing ONE document can disqualify you.
Write a powerful 250-word motivational essay
Focus on:
- Your background
- Your challenges
- Your academic performance
- Your dreams
- How this bursary will change your future
Choose a qualification that appears on the scarce and critical skills list
This dramatically strengthens your application.
Show commitment to community service
This bursary values people with HEART, not just grades.
Apply early — don’t wait for the deadline
Submitting early reduces errors and stress.
Community Service Requirement (100 Hours)
The bursary includes a volunteer component — 100 hours of community service with Vulamathuba programmes such as:
- Gardening Programme
- Active Ageing
- Dance Programme
- Life Skills Sessions
- Matric Tutoring
- Job Seekers Programme
- Career Guidance Workshops
- Special Projects (Mandela Day, World AIDS Day, etc.)
This builds your:
- Employability
- Leadership
- community impact credentials
- personal development
— all of which look GREAT on your CV.
Work-Back Requirement After Graduation
After completing your qualification, you may be required to “work back” part of your bursary inside:
- The Communicare Group
- OR an organisation nominated by Vulamathuba
This is a huge advantage — it gives you real work experience, increases employability, and helps you transition smoothly into the job market.
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
Depending on the qualification you choose, you could grow into roles such as:
- Technician / Artisan
- Registered Nurse / Health Professional
- Educator / Trainer
- IT Specialist / Developer
- Accountant / Finance Assistant
- Social Worker / Community Development Practitioner
- Engineer / Technician
- HR Practitioner
- Supply Chain Operator
- Renewable Energy Technician
- And many other scarce skill careers
Because this bursary supports critical and in-demand skills, the job market will actively be looking for graduates like you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Do I need to be a Communicare tenant?
Tenants in good standing are prioritised, but neighbouring community members may also apply.
- Does the bursary cover private institutions?
Yes — but priority is given to public institutions in the Western Cape.
- Does the bursary fund postgraduate studies?
No, only undergraduate qualifications.
- What happens if I fail my studies?
The bursary may be suspended or converted into a loan if you do not pass or abandon your studies.
- What if I am employed — can I apply?
Yes, the bursary accepts employed and unemployed applicants.
- How much does the bursary cover?
Up to R45 000, including registration, tuition, textbooks, and exam fees.
- Do I need to volunteer?
Yes — 100 hours of community service is mandatory.
- Is there an interview process?
Not stated, but shortlisted candidates may be contacted for verification.
- Can I apply if I’m doing part-time studies?
Yes — both full-time and part-time studies are accepted.
- When will I know if I’m successful?
By 13 February 2026.
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
This article is based on the official Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Form 2026 provided by the user. Requirements, dates, and criteria may change at the discretion of Vulamathuba Empumelelo. Always refer to their official communication channels for updates.
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