PPC celebrates achievements of bursary students

PPC celebrates achievements of bursary students
PPC bursary programme beneficiaries from across the country joined members of the
Group’s executive team for a celebratory lunch at PPC Jupiter today. The 21 students are all
at various stages of their studies, with a strong focus on future careers that speak to highly
sought-after skills at the company. Touring the plant after lunch thus gave them the perfect
opportunity to start picturing themselves “in action” at PPC among potential colleagues of the
future…
First, second and third year students from 12 universities around South Africa celebrated
their achievements and personal and academic growth over the past year with their parents
and PPC team members earlier today. Joined by PPC CEO, Johan Claassen, the learners
were given an opportunity to reflect on their triumphs, learnings and challenges – and
encouraged to continue working towards realising their dreams.
Speaking at the event during, Claassen congratulated the students on their efforts and
achievements, noting that they have all taken another positive step forward towards
promising future careers. “While many people might tell you otherwise, always remember
that your future is in your own hands. Keep planning for it. Keep working towards it. Dream
big – and let those dreams guide you.”
PPC Group Manager of CSI Kabira Akoob, who coordinates and runs the programme,
added her congratulations, urging the students to also see themselves as future leaders and
key contributors to their communities and the country. “Tertiary education remains a dream
for many of your peers and fellow learners, making your responsibility to use this opportunity
wisely even greater. As future engineers across multiple disciplines, your work will influence
others in no small way. Your choices and decisions will shape collective destinies. This
means you not only need to be an expert in your own field, but also in listening, compassion
and kindness. This is how you will grow others as you grow, creating a future you can be
truly proud of.”
First launched in 2008, PPC‟s bursary scheme is an investment in both the company and
country‟s greater future. It has seen 30 students graduate during this time: a combination of
those from its community programme started in 2008 and its “children of employees”
programme which was initiated in 2015. The scheme is aligned to meeting current and future
skills requirements of the group and greater sector, with a strong focus on chemical,
electrical, mechanical, mining and industrial engineering. Environmentally-oriented degrees
are also being supported.
“With over R2.2 million invested in the current group of students, PPC is excited to be
assisting them shape their future journeys,” says Akoob. “While today‟s lunch might be
considered a „small scale‟ affair, it‟s representative of something far bigger and much more
significant. It speaks of our firm belief in these children and their ability to change the world
for the better. We wish them every success with their studies – and in realising their
dreams.”
Ends.