Magalies Water

About Magalies Water

Magalies Water is a state-owned water board with its head office at 38 Heystek Street, Rustenburg. It supplies bulk potable water to municipalities, mines and businesses in North West, Limpopo and Gauteng. Much of this work serves the platinum belt, where industry and growing towns both need reliable water.

The board manages key dams, including Bospoort, Roodekopjes, Vaalkop and Roodeplaat. It also runs a scientific laboratory that tests water quality. Beyond bulk supply, Magalies Water offers sanitation and related services and takes part in community education and social investment projects.

How Magalies Water supports students

South Africa has a shortage of water engineers and scientists. Magalies Water responds by funding students whose skills it will later need. Its bursary programme is open to South African citizens aged 18 to 35. Applicants should have earned at least 65% for Grade 12. Preference goes to previously disadvantaged candidates, women and people with disabilities.

Recent calls for applications list fields such as mechanical, electrical and civil engineering, water care, chemistry or analytical chemistry, and biotechnology or microbiology. Financial accounting has also appeared on the list. Only a small number of awards, often two per field, are offered each year. Therefore, competition is strong, and a good matric result matters.

Magalies Water also runs a separate internship programme for unemployed graduates. Advertised internships have lasted up to 24 months and paid a monthly stipend. They cover areas such as civil and mechanical engineering, water care, geomatics and information technology. For example, a civil engineering graduate can gain workplace hours toward professional registration.

What to know before applying

Magalies Water publishes its bursary adverts on its official website, and they usually appear once a year. Applicants send certified documents, such as ID, matric results and proof of registration. Closing dates are firm, and late applications are rarely considered. Earlier descriptions of the programme mention practical training for bursars after graduation. The utility's public material does not clearly describe a long contractual work-back period. However, your bursary agreement may contain conditions. Read it carefully, and ask the human resources team about any service obligation before you sign. Since fields, numbers and benefits change from year to year, always confirm the details on the official site. A few simple steps improve your chances. Study Mathematics and Physical Sciences hard in Grade 12, because the engineering and water care fields need them. Write a short, honest motivation about why water matters to you. Finally, keep your documents certified and organised, and send everything before the deadline. Good preparation shows the panel that you take the opportunity seriously.