Bursary Opens Doors For Kimberley Engineering Graduate

Bophelo Segolodi, from Vergenoeg Galeshewe, Kimberley, has always been curious about how electricity and technology shape everyday life. That curiosity led him to pursue Electrical Engineering, and recently, he officially graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), completing his three-year qualification.

“I chose Electrical Engineering because I enjoy solving problems and learning how things are connected. It gives me the opportunity to create useful solutions that can help people and improve society. I also believe it is a field with many opportunities for growth, innovation, and making a positive contribution to the future,” said Bophelo Segollodi. 

Bophelo’s academic journey was made possible through the Matla A Bokone Scholarship Programme, which awarded him a bursary at the beginning of 2023. 

The programme, which provides full tertiary education support to students living within a 50km radius of the solar facility, is committed to building a pipeline of skilled professionals in sectors critical to South Africa’s growth and long-term sustainability.

For Bophelo and his family, the scholarship represented far more than financial relief, it was a source of hope, motivation, and pride.

“This scholarship has meant a lot to me and my family. It has helped reduce the financial burden of my studies and has given me the opportunity to focus more on my education. My family is very proud and grateful because it shows that hard work and dedication can be recognised. The scholarship has also given me motivation to do my best in my studies and work towards achieving my goals,” he said

The scholarship programme is a flagship initiative dedicated to empowering communities by supporting studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), thereby helping to shape the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Inspired by his family’s unwavering support and by the legacy of Nikola Tesla, Bophelo is driven by a deep desire to use engineering as a force for good. With his graduation behind him, he is now actively pursuing internship opportunities while setting his sights on completing an Honours degree in Electrical Engineering.

“My future goal is to successfully complete my Electrical Engineering Honours and become a skilled engineer. In the coming years, I hope to gain practical experience, continue learning, and contribute to projects that improve people’s lives through technology and innovation,” he said.