Motsepe Foundation

About the Motsepe Foundation

The Motsepe Foundation is a South African philanthropic body that Patrice Motsepe and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe founded in 1999. It works in education, health and social development across the country. In 2013 the couple became the first African family to sign the Giving Pledge, which commits them to give away at least half of their wealth. The bursary programme is one of the main ways the Foundation turns that promise into action.

Its stated focus is to uplift poor, unemployed and marginalised people. Education is central to that goal, because a degree can change the future of a whole household.

How the Foundation supports students

The Motsepe Foundation bursary funds undergraduate study at recognised South African institutions. Recent calls have centred on science, technology, engineering, accounting and mathematics, with some humanities places in fields such as law and music. The exact list can change, so read the current call carefully.

Support has included registration and tuition fees, books and stationery, a laptop, university-accredited accommodation, meal allowances and tutoring. Recipients also receive mental wellness support during their studies. Such help matters because many first-generation students struggle with more than money.

The programme looks at both need and merit. Applicants must show financial need. They usually need a minimum average of 70 percent in their core Matric subjects, and past calls limited places to residents of designated areas in the nine provinces.

The Foundation's work is not limited to bursaries. It also supports health and social development programmes, so student funding is one part of a wider effort to reduce poverty.

What to know before applying

Applications are made online through the Foundation's website. Screening comes first. Shortlisted candidates then submit certified copies of their ID and academic records, plus proof of household income and, where relevant, a university acceptance letter. Recent calls have closed in October, so plan to apply early.

The Foundation is a grant-maker, not a future employer. Published information does not describe a work-back contract that ties graduates to the Foundation or a related company. However, some sources mention community involvement as part of the bursary culture. That detail is unconfirmed, so ask the Foundation what it expects from recipients. Always rely on the official call for the current provinces, fields and documents.

Keep your Grade 11 and final Matric results close, and make sure your household income documents are up to date. Because the programme screens for need first, missing papers can slow down or end an application. Use only the Foundation's official website to apply, and be careful with any site that asks you to pay.