The day I got confirmation from the Maize Trust I knew that I was close to reaching my goal of obtaining my PhD. During my honours year I had financial struggles. I applied for so many bursaries, but none of them responded. I didn’t lose hope. I kept studying and doing research work for my lecturers, and with the income I received (which was not enough), I manged to register. After obtaining my degree, the University withheld my results due to outstanding fees. I didn’t even know where to start looking for funds so that I can release my certificate and results in order to apply for a job. I took a leap of faith and applied for the Maize Trust bursary. When I got this bursary, I was the happiest human being in the world. With the funds that they allocated, I was able to pay for my outstanding fees, food and accommodation, register for Masters and also use some of the funds for my Masters Project. The Maize Trust is not just a bursary that deals with students, it has become family, their frequent check-ups on student’s progress, exposure to conferences and other science opportunities really helped and pushed me to produce quality results in time. Looking at my background, where opportunities are limited, the Maize trust has proven to me that everything is possible and that you can become whoever you want to become as long as you work hard. Thank you, Maize Trust, please continue changing lives

It has been a pleasure working with the Maize Trust. The bursary I have obtained from them has allowed me to continue with my post-graduate studies without having that financial burden. They have stayed in constant communication with us and they have provided us with very useful network opportunities. The Maize Trust also facilitated us as students to share our research at the annual New Voices Symposium. I would recommend every student pursuing future studies related to the maize industry to apply for a bursary with the Maize Trust.

My journey with the Sorghum Trust started in 2019, it has been nothing but wonderful. As a bursar of this Trust, I am fully supported. This is with regards to the funding of my project as well as receiving a student bursary. My engagements in science activities are also supported by this Trust. In 2019, I attended a symposium where Sorghum Trust was gracious enough to cover all my expenses. Sorghum Trust has been transparent with me from the beginning, especially with what is expected from me after my studies. Being a master’s student has its own challenges, but it is also comforting to know that you have a powerful entity that has your back. Sorghum Trust has been that one thing for me. I definitely see a future for myself in this industry and working together with this Trust going forward

The knowledge of being supported by an entity like SACTA that make their commitment to you clear, as well as their efficient and orderly correspondence regarding all financial and administrative issues and possible opportunities, gives one sound of mind. It is truly a pleasurable experience to be associated with the Agency”.

Being part of the few students awarded the Maize Trust bursary in 2019, was one the best things that had happened to me in my academic career. It gave me an opportunity to contribute to the most important science field: Agriculture, which forms the foundation of society. I am currently researching and trying to come up with solutions to the great challenges that we face in the agricultural industry of South Africa. Thanks to the Maize Trust, I am enjoying research and concentrating on my academics without carrying the financial burden because the bursary is well administered and there is swift and transparent communication between us students and the administrator. I am forever grateful for the many connections I have made through the symposiums organised by the Trust. The Maize Trust bursary makes you feel important so you can do important work.”

Not just did the Sasol Agricultural Trust fund my M.Sc and Ph.D studies, but they also opened several doors for me by enabling me to network with peers and industry members. I would not have been able to achieve all I have without their support. They helped me to grow personally as well as professionally

I have been a grant holder of the Maize Trust bursary for less than a quarter (three months). However, I can say with pride and confidence that the Maize Trust is the best bursary. This year, the Maize Trust took that financial stress away from me. Unlike other bursaries, the Maize Trust pays the first installment towards the end of January. On top of that, they pay directly to your personal bank account, saving you the effort of having to claim the money from the institution. I would really encourage you not to hesitate and apply for the Maize Trust bursary.

A key to success and improving the country economy and livelihoods of farmers is through empowering students by investing in education that will help eradicate world hunger. I believe this bursary is doing that. It inspires and motivates “us” through proper research, and in return shares the knowledge that we have gained from the research.