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The Absa CSI Trust

Empowerment Trust

Absa CSI Trust Graduate Historical Debt Relief Intervention

In response to the escalation of graduates’ historical debt that prevents the conferral of qualifications which in turn limits participation to the national economy, the Absa CSI Trust allocated a grant to clear historical student debt of graduates in selected higher education institutions who completed their studies but unable to get their qualifications due to historical debt. The Absa CSI Trust has appointed the Feenix Trust to execute clearance of historical debt. In addition to the historical debt relief intervention, the Absa CSI Trust committed to support these graduates to transition into earning pathways through employment opportunities in collaboration with the Youth Employment Services.

In addition to the historical debt relief intervention, the Absa CSI Trust is committed to supporting graduates in their transition into earning pathways through employment and work-readiness opportunities in partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES).

The YES programme is a national initiative aimed at creating meaningful work opportunities for young South Africans. As part of this intervention, successful applicants may be invited to participate in YES4Youth-related activities, which may include employability surveys, information-sharing sessions, skills development opportunities, and consideration for suitable employment opportunities. While participation in the programme does not guarantee employment, it provides graduates with access to opportunities designed to support their transition into the world of work.

Graduate Historical Debt Relief Intervention Criteria:

  • South African citizens
  • Studying at one of the following selected Public South African Universities:
    • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
    • Central University of Technology
    • Mangosuthu University of Technology
    • North-West University
    • Sol Plaatje University
    • Tshwane University of Technology
    • University of Fort Hare
    • University of Johannesburg
    • University of Limpopo
    • University of Pretoria
    • University of South Africa
    • University of the Free State
    • University of the Western Cape
    • University of Venda
    • University of Zululand
    • Vaal University of Technology
    • Walter Sisulu University,
  • Combined annual income of R700 000 or less.
  • Students who have completed their studies but have not graduated due to historical debt
  • Students who are currently unemployed and not enrolled for studies
  • STEM qualifications that encompass degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and in fields that are aligned to the Digital Economy and the Green Economy.

To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.
We encourage you to apply early so that our team has sufficient time to verify your application.

Please click here to apply

Outline of Feenix Services in addition to the Absa CSI Trust Graduate Historical Debt Relief Intervention

At Feenix, we believe that access to education should not be dependent on wealth. Our mission is to ensure that young people have access to education and are equipped to thrive in life. This is done through connecting young people in need to donor communities that care and providing critical wraparound support services. Through a variety of offerings, we are committed to creating lasting impact and empowering students to graduate debt-free and contribute meaningfully to society.

Crowd funding
Our secure crowdfunding platform allows students to take an active role in funding their education. By showcasing their investment worthiness through storytelling and fundraising for their tuition fees, students are able to appeal directly to donor communities.
Bursary Management
Feenix partners with businesses to design and administer bespoke bursary programs that align with their corporate social investment (CSI) goals. This allows companies to support students while advancing their education-related commitments.
Wraparound Services
We ensure that students are equipped to succeed and thrive in every aspect of their lives. All students on our platform have access to financial literacy programs through Blackbullion SA, along with personal and professional mastery masterclasses to help them develop holistically.