The Institute is investing in upgraded systems and new personnel to provide quicker reports to its financial supporters, as well as better service to the bursary holders.  These improvements will lead to quicker payments and refunds to tertiary institutions, students and parents, and in this way lift the service provided to all the stakeholders.

In 2007 there were 578 students on the books of the Bursary Department, involving a budget of R 12 million.  So far this year there are 589 students being supported, with a budget of just over R 17.3 million.  Of the 589, some 28% are first year students who were selected from the 2 838 eligible applicants received between August and December 2007.  This represented at 10% increase in the number of suitable new applicants over the 2006 figure.

This increase in numbers led to a review of the resources, human and technological, available in the Bursary Department, and an undertaking to upgrade them.  Upgrades currently being implemented include:

• The appointment of Mr Stan Kahn as the Acting Head of Bursaries to manage the department through the upgrade process. 
• The appointment of a new student councillor, Ms Rhulani Maluleka, a recent graduate in Media Studies from Wits.  Rhulani has taken responsibility for students attending institutions in the Pretoria and Cape Town areas, and will soon be travelling to these areas for one-on-one meetings with the students supported by all the grant-makers who use the services of the Institute. She joins a team of three existing student counsellors.
• Upgrading the computer software to enable more rapid response to donors and better service to the bursary holders.  This will ultimately give donors secure access to the records of their students as well as making possible almost instantaneous e-mail and SMS contact with the bursary holders.
• Progressing toward electronic fund transfers to institutions and students, to get around any waiting for funds to be transferred to meet fees, accommodation, and living allowances.
• Investigating tax and BEE benefits which accrue to companies and individuals who wish to become involved in the bursary programme.

These improvements are being undertaken to raise the levels of service which the bursary department can offer current stakeholders.  It also it prepares us for an expected further increase in the numbers of individuals and corporations who will join our programme – together helping us build a better South Africa every day.