Representatives of the 100 students who received bursaries from Services SETA to study at the Vhembe FET College have promised to work hard in order not to disappoint those who assisted them.

The students, who are now studying different skills at the college, were paraded during a function to launch the programme.

During an event held at the Thohoyandou Town Hall, where the bursaries were presented to the students, Services SETA administrator Dr Sihle Moon said  the bursaries were a positive contribution to rural South Africa and Vhembe had been identified as such.

Moon said the programmes would give students theoretical and practical exposure in their chosen fields and thereby give them the right mix of skills to fill the gap currently faced by the country. "These colleges still have to respond to local economic and social priorities of the region, so that they remain relevant to the local developmental needs," added Moon.

On behalf of the recepients, Takalani Thanyani (22) from Masisi said they wouldmake use of the opportunity offered to them. "We are very lucky,  and we are going to work very hard in order that we do not discourage our sponsors and our parents," he said. The Office Admin Level 2 student urged fellow students to be exemplary to lead others in terms of hard work.

Vhembe FET CEO Dr Joe Tshifularo  urged students to show their appreciation for what Services SETA had done for them by working hard.