NUMSA

About NUMSA

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, known as NUMSA, is the country's biggest single trade union. It formed in May 1987 when four unions merged. These included the Metal and Allied Workers' Union and the Motor Industry Combined Workers' Union. The union reports more than 338,000 members and works from Johannesburg.

NUMSA organises workers in metal, engineering, automotive and related industries. Members work at large vehicle makers and in many smaller factories. Until 2014, NUMSA belonged to the federation COSATU. It later joined the South African Federation of Trade Unions. Over the decades, the union has negotiated wages and working conditions for workers in many of these industries, and the bursary scheme reflects its focus on the next generation.

How NUMSA supports students

NUMSA runs a bursary scheme for the dependants of its members and staff. The scheme exists to help working families send a child to university who otherwise could not afford it. Unlike most corporate bursaries, it is not open to the general public. The applicant must be linked to a NUMSA member.

The fund covers a limited list of qualifications, mostly in scarce-skill areas. These include a Bachelor of Education with a science or mathematics focus, accounting and auditing degrees, law, computer science and information technology, and biomedical technology. It also covers engineering degrees in chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, metallurgical and mechanical disciplines. Study must be full-time at a university or university of technology.

Published guidance has called the programme the Mbuyi Ngwenda Bursary Fund. Because the scheme is small, competition can be stiff, and the union looks closely at financial need.

What to know before applying

Published guidance says applicants must be South African citizens and either in matric or already matriculated. They must show proven financial need, so be ready to supply proof of household income. Documents normally include a certified copy of your identity document, your academic results and your parent or guardian's NUMSA membership details.

The reported closing date has been 30 September each year. However, details can change, and the process has relied on posted applications in the past rather than email. For that reason, contact the NUMSA head office or your shop steward early to confirm the current date, the postal address and the documents required.

Published guidance does not state exactly what the award pays for, or whether a work-back obligation applies. Ask the bursary office for the full terms in writing before you accept an award. Apply with a backup plan, such as NSFAS or another bursary, in case you are not selected.