bp Southern Africa (bpSA) has deepened its commitment to inclusive growth and skills development with the launch of the Impumelelo Bursary Programme, which this year awarded bursaries to 32 frontline staff at its service stations.
This initiative is designed to help bpSA’s service champions build a better future for themselves, their families and the communities they serve by pursuing further education, regardless of their age or background.
According to bpSA CEO, Taelo Mojapelo, service champions are “at the heart of our operations, the face of our brand. They play a vital role in delivering exceptional service to customers across the country.”
“We know that for many people, the desire to study is strong, but the cost is simply out of reach. The Impumelelo Bursary is about giving our people the opportunity to thrive, because when we invest in them, we are investing in the future of South Africa,” says Mojapelo.
To qualify for the bursary, applicants had to be bpSA service champions registered at a South African institution of higher learning, whether a university or a TVET college, public or private, across any field of study. The 32 bursary recipients are enrolled in various fields of study and across different age groups – with the oldest recipient of the bursary being 41 years old.
Mpendulo Tibane, one of the bursary recipients, says: “The Impumelelo Bursary is an incredible opportunity for us to grow, to dream bigger and to empower ourselves through education. I hope every service champion will grab this chance with both hands. Today, I may be filling up your tank, but tomorrow I could be the Head of IT at a multinational company. I’m a breadwinner, a parent and now, thanks to bpSA, my future is full of possibility.”
The Impumelelo Bursary Programme forms part of bpSA’s broader strategy to drive sustainable growth, social investment and empower communities. In line with similar impactful initiatives – such as the scholarships recently awarded to 100 North-West University students to clear their historical debts, the Energy Mobility Education Trust, which focuses on postgraduate educational support, and various educational programmes for office-based staff. Impumelelo reinforces the company’s role in driving accessible, inclusive education. Amongst other accolades, the company was recognized as the Top Empowered Company in Education and Skills Development in 2023.
“At bpSA, we see education not just as a pathway to economic development, but as a way to break cycles of limitation for those working hard to support their families,” Mojapelo says. “The Impumelelo Bursary Programme is our way of saying, ‘Your dreams matter, and we are here to help you achieve them’.”
“The ripple effect of this opportunity extends far beyond the classroom. When we empower our people with education, we’re not just enhancing their lives – we’re building more resilient, skilled communities,” she concludes.
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