Powering potential: Eskom invests in 200 young minds to shape South Africa’s energy future
Tuesday, 03 February 2026: Eskom today awarded 200 bursaries for the 2026 financial year, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators who will drive South Africa’s growth and energy future. For more than 50 years, Eskom has consistently invested in education and skills development through its bursary programme, awarding over 11,000 bursaries in the past decade alone.
At a time when the country is accelerating its energy transition, Eskom continues to invest in the specialised skills required to sustain, modernise, and future-proof the electricity system. The bursary programme supports studies in critical fields aligned with Eskom’s strategic priorities and South Africa’s broader skills development agenda, ensuring that education remains a cornerstone of national progress.
The Eskom Bursary Awards Ceremony, held at the Eskom Academy of Learning (EAL) in Gauteng, was attended by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, whose presence underscored government’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to education and empowering young South Africans through targeted investment in skills development.
The bursaries awarded reflect Eskom’s nationwide approach to nurturing talent, ensuring inclusive access to education and opportunity across regions while building a diverse and capable pipeline of future professionals.
Speaking at the ceremony, Eskom Board Chairperson, Mteto Nyati, emphasised the long-term national impact of investing in young people.
“These bursaries represent Eskom’s long-term commitment to nation-building. By investing in young South Africans today, we are strengthening the skills base that will underpin economic growth, energy security, and inclusive development for decades to come. This is how we build a resilient and sustainable future for our country,” said Nyati.
Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, highlighted the programme’s strategic role in preparing the workforce needed for a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
“South Africa’s energy transition requires skilled, innovative, and committed professionals. Through this bursary programme, Eskom is deliberately building the pipeline of engineers, scientists, and specialists who will lead the transformation of our energy system and ensure its reliability for generations to come,” said Marokane.
Beyond financial assistance, the bursary programme provides beneficiaries with access to quality education, mentorship, and career-defining opportunities in sectors vital to South Africa’s development. Bursars are positioned to build specialised expertise, enhance their employability, and contribute meaningfully to innovation, economic growth, and national progress.
Eskom’s Chief People Officer, Dr Candice Hartley, underscored the future-focused approach of the programme in driving critical skills development.
“Our bursary programme goes beyond financial support. It is about giving students from all walks of life access to mentorship, development, and meaningful career pathways. We are proud to walk this journey with talented young people as they equip themselves with future-fit skills as they ready themselves to contribute to South Africa’s evolving energy sector,” said Dr Hartley.
The ceremony celebrated academic excellence while symbolising hope, opportunity, and Eskom’s enduring commitment to youth development, transformation, and nation-building.
The bursary awards form a critical part of Eskom’s long-term strategy to build technical capability, develop future leaders, and secure the sustainability of South Africa’s energy sector.
Through sustained investment in education and skills development, Eskom continues to power not only the grid, but the potential of South Africa’s youth.
ENDS
