Cape Gate

About Cape Gate

Cape Gate is a South African steel wire and wire-products manufacturer with its main factory in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng. The business began in the early 1960s as a small wire-netting maker. Today it produces fencing, mesh and other steel goods for the construction, agricultural and security industries.

A company of this kind needs engineers who can keep heavy plant running and accountants who can manage a large manufacturing business. Qualified people in both areas are hard to find. For that reason, Cape Gate funds two named bursary schemes instead of waiting to recruit from the open market.

How Cape Gate supports students

The Isaac Joffe Fellowship is the engineering bursary. It supports full-time BEng students in electrical, electronic, mechatronic and metallurgical engineering at accredited South African universities. Published information says applicants should show strong academic results and genuine financial need. They should also not hold other funding.

The Erwin Robert Balde Bursary covers the accounting side. It funds a BCom degree in the chartered accountancy (CA) stream, and support can continue up to Honours level. Both schemes cover registration and tuition fees, a book allowance and a once-off computer allowance. In addition, students receive a personal allowance, plus residence fees with meals or a living allowance.

Awards are normally renewed each year, provided the student keeps up satisfactory academic progress. Furthermore, recipients take part in paid vacation work during the December and January holidays. As a result, they see how the factory operates long before they graduate.

What to know before applying

Both bursaries carry a work-back condition. Graduates are expected to work for Cape Gate for as long as the company funded their studies. Anyone who does not honour the agreement may have to repay the costs with interest. Therefore, read the contract carefully and make sure you are happy to join the group after you qualify.

Steel wire products turn up in almost every part of the economy, from farm fences and building reinforcement to security barriers. That wide reach explains why a wire manufacturer needs electrical, mechatronic and metallurgical engineers on site. It also explains why it needs finance professionals who understand costs, inventory and audit. If you study in one of these fields and want practical experience in heavy industry, the Cape Gate bursary schemes are worth a close look.

Selection usually involves a written application, supporting documents and an interview for shortlisted candidates. Documents commonly requested include a certified ID copy, matric results, academic transcripts and a university account statement. Closing dates fall early in the year, in January for the most recent intake, and the exact dates and eligible study years change from one intake to the next. Check the official Cape Gate website for the current application form, closing date and email address before you apply.