Pretune SIM Card

About Pretune

Pretune Technologies is a South African software company. It builds e-commerce platforms and also develops systems for clients in telecommunications and construction. In addition, it distributes Cell C SIM cards across the country. Its office address is in Rivonia, Johannesburg.

The company links its SIM card business to education. A portion of the airtime income from the cards it distributes goes towards financial help for tertiary students. This giving is handled through the Pretune Foundation. The funding source is therefore tied to a product that ordinary customers use every day.

How Pretune supports students

The Pretune SIM Card Bursary is aimed at students with strong marks and a real financial need. Funding is for full-time study at a South African university. Published lists name many eligible fields. They include computer science, information technology, informatics, engineering, mathematics and science. They also include accounting, economics, finance, business science, commercial law, investments and health sciences. This is wider than a purely technology programme.

Older listings say applications from students at FET colleges or technikons are not considered. The published criteria point to full-time university study, so students at other institutions should check before they apply. Preference is given to applicants who use a Cell C SIM card supplied by Pretune.

Because the bursary is funded from airtime income, its size depends on how the business does. Nothing public states a fixed rand value, so you should not assume a particular amount. Ask the foundation what the award covers, and whether it pays for fees, books or living costs, before you plan your finances around it.

What to know before applying

The listed entry requirements are clear. You must be a South African citizen. You need at least 50% for every Matric subject, at least 60% for Mathematics and at least 60% for English. Mathematical Literacy does not count in place of Mathematics. You may apply in Matric or after you finish.

The application form comes with certified copies of your ID, Grade 11 results and Matric results. You must also include proof of your parents' or guardians' income, because financial need is part of the decision. Applications can be emailed, faxed or posted to the Pretune Foundation at PO Box 218, Rivonia, 2128. The closing date has been given as 28 February each year.

No formal work-back or employment obligation appears in the public information. The foundation seems to aim at growing the pool of graduates in general rather than hiring them. Even so, you should confirm the current rules, forms and contact details directly with Pretune, because bursary terms can change between years.