SATS General Botha Old Boys’ Association Bursary Fund

Founded in 2011 by ex-cadets of the legendary South African Training Ship General Botha, a nautical college from 1922 to 1988. The Bursary Fund is based in the port city of Cape Town with a strong Durban branch. The prohibitive cost of maritime training makes a seafaring career for many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds out of reach. The Fund exists to nurture sea fever and close this gap by raising funds that unlock life-changing educational opportunities and open pathways into the maritime industry.

Maritime High School Education: In partnership with donors, the Bursary Fund supports learners in Grades 10–12 who board at Lawhill Maritime Centre (LMC) at Simon’s Town School. In addition to the standard curriculum, they receive specialised instruction in Maritime Economics, Marine Science, and Nautical Science.

Swimming, Sailing and Motorboat Training: The Bursary Fund supplements LMC academic learning with three years of extracurricular training focused on sailing and motorboat skills, with the objective of enabling learners to achieve a SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) accredited qualification either as a Category E Motorboat licensee or a Sailing Day Skipper.

 Grade 10 learners start by completing a learn-to-swim programme. For many, this is their first experience of swimming lessons - an essential step toward a future in the maritime industry. Afterward, NSRI pre-sea training takes place to ensure participants are safe in the water before they venture into the ocean. Thereafter they receive weekend instruction from qualified skippers to gain required sea time and theoretical knowledge. The programme equips learners with practical skills and promotes teamwork creating pathways to employment in the maritime sector and thrives thanks to our many partners and the dedication of volunteers and qualified skippers, many of whom are alumni themselves. The programme has provided some incredible opportunities for employment not only in the merchant navy but also in the international superyacht industry.

Tertiary Education: Students can apply for financial support to attend approved tertiary training centres to study for a maritime qualification. Tertiary bursaries may include, if required, a living allowance and accommodation. They are awarded primarily to Grade 12 learners who have the academic results, interest, and aptitude to embark on a seagoing career.

Mentoring: Intergenerational mentoring by “Old Salts” as well as present and former Captains of industry is a unique factor that differentiates the Bursary Fund from other organisations. It is a constant component of beneficiaries’ journey with the Fund and continues during their maritime career. Past Bursary Fund students are encouraged to give back by becoming mentors. The Bursary Fund is proud to report that a growing number of our past LMC and tertiary funded students are now making their mark in the maritime sector, proving the long-term impact of our efforts.

Thank you for reading this information.  By partnering with the Bursary Fund, you can turn aspirations into reality and invest in both the future of our students and the maritime industry at large. The organisation is 100% B-BBEE and Section 18A tax deductible certificates are available to all donors.