June 2025.
More than a decade after finishing high school, Boshof local Bernice Tshiamo Segopolo (30) is realising her dream of pursuing a career in law, having recently been awarded a community bursary by Boshof Solar Power. Her successful application was supported by a collaborative effort between the solar plant and the Tokologo Local Municipality, aimed at encouraging more local youth to apply.
Bernice has begun a three-year Bachelor of Commerce degree in Law through STADIO Higher Education, taking the first steps towards a career she hopes will not only create opportunities for herself but also inspire others in her community.
“Boshof is a small community, and there are not many people working in this field. I want to be the first to introduce something like this. I hope to one day start my own business and show others in the community that it’s possible. I want to empower my community,” said Bernice.
Passionate about the transformative impact of education, Bernice added, “I believe if you have an education, it is empowering. It teaches you to reach for the sky and shows you that there are no limits. Economic hardship is widespread in our community, but education gives you a platform for a better life. It makes it possible to breathe.”
In addition to funding bursaries, the wind farm partnered with the municipality to support community members in accessing higher education. This included assistance with applications and document preparation—Bernice being one of the beneficiaries. As a result, the highest number of bursary recipients to date was achieved, with four new awards granted.
“We’ve seen first-hand how motivated young people in Boshof are to continue their studies—especially when faced with limited employment opportunities,” said Noluthando Mazibuko, Economic Development Specialist at Boshof Solar Power. “With local business activity on the decline, many youth feel disheartened. Initiatives like this bursary programme provide a pathway forward, offering both direction and hope.”
High unemployment levels in the Free State underscore the urgent need for sustainable development and education initiatives like this one to empower youth and create long-term opportunities.
The Boshof Solar Power bursary programme adopts a holistic approach to student support—prioritising financial need, academic potential, gender, and geographic proximity—by focusing on beneficiaries living within a 50km radius of the solar plant. It exemplifies the solar plant’s commitment to local community development and the empowerment of youth through education.
