​Thembisa Shologu
MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has called on all eligible youth in the province to apply for the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) Bursary. 
Applications opened in November 2022 and will close on 28 February 2023. 
GCRA is responsible for building a pool of skilled, capable, and ethical workforce for the Gauteng City Region.
To date, the Gauteng Provincial Government has empowered more than 30 000 students through the bursary scheme.
Since 2009, about R2.2 billion has been invested towards bursaries equipping young people with the necessary skills to succeed in this fast-changing and competitive world.  
"This year alone, we have provided financial assistance to more than 4 000 learners from Gauteng schools. Bursary recipients receive tuition fees, laptops, allowances, books, and accommodation.
"We are doing this as part of our efforts to support our long-term strategy of growing Gauteng together and plucking the critical skills gap in our country," said MEC Chiloane. 
The bursary programme is open to all qualifying youth, with particular preference given to top achievers from Gauteng who wish to study for an undergraduate and/or post-graduate programme at an accredited and registered Post School Education and Training institution in South Africa.
Chiloane urged future artisans and technicians accepted by TVET colleges around Gauteng to submit their applications. 
"Young people must remember that a career as an artisan or technician is also very lucrative and will present them with many economic opportunities.
"We may not offer these bursaries to everyone outside the top three learners based on academic performance. We will endeavour to accommodate more young people. 
Take advantage of this opportunity and apply for this bursary now," he concluded.
To apply, candidates must register online at: https://gcrabursary.gauteng.gov.za  with a valid email address, which will be used as a username.
This year's application system is zero-rated, meaning applicants will need no data to access and navigate the system.