Strengthening the Partnership between UNIZULU and MQA
The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) recently hosted a partnership engagement with the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) at the Council Chambers in the KwaDlangezwa Campus.
The talks were led by UNIZULU Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Xoliswa Mtose and MQA’s CEO, COO and Executive Manager: Stakeholder Relations, Dr Thabo Mashongoane, Xolisa Njikelana and Zodwa Mashinini, respectively.
The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the existing relationship between MQA and the University of Zululand (UNIZULU).
MQA provides bursaries to deserving students who intend studying towards qualifications in the mining and minerals sectors.
MQA and UNIZULU began their partnership in 2023 with just two funded students. Mashinini noted that in this academic year, the organisation is funding a total of five students with a sum of R441 130. She added that MQA aimed to fund more UNZULU graduates, lecturers and students.
In her welcome remarks, Prof Mtose noted: “I see partnership as a two-way process. We don’t want to be recipients only; we want also to provide what is expected by the society and our nation in particular.”
She later extended her heartfelt gratitude to the MQA delegation for their efforts to strengthen the ties between MQA and UNIZULU.
“I am excited about what your organisation offers to our country and I’m excited simply because I see the benefits of our young people – both employed, unemployed and those that aspire to be at universities and do their degrees,” Prof Mtose said.
About MQA
The MQA Bursary Scheme was established to increase the number of students who pursue careers in the mining and minerals sector. Today, the bursary scheme continues to assist students by providing them the opportunity to study towards these careers at higher education institutions and Technical Vacation Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The bursary scheme covers full registration and tuition fees, residence fees or private accommodation allowance, books and meals allowance.
Analytical chemistry, Jewellery Design and Manufacturing, Electro-Machanical Engineering, Geology, Industrial Engineering, Occupational Health and Safety, Mine Surveying, Electrical Engineering are some of the qualifications funded at universities and universities of technology by the MQA.
– Sbahle Dumakude
Pictures: Samkele Sokhela