Vhembe District Municipality’s Executive Mayor’s Bursary Fund pays toward diplomas and bachelor’s degrees for disadvantaged students from the district, which takes in Thulamela, Makhado, Musina and Collins Chabane. The Office of the Executive Mayor in Thohoyandou runs it, and it is open only to Vhembe District residents.
When Vhembe advertises: a November-to-January window
Vhembe’s own adverts show a steady pattern. The 2025 round opened on 25 November 2024 and closed on 24 January 2025. The 2026 round opened on 17 November 2025 and closed on 23 January 2026. No 2027 advert or form is on the municipal website yet. If Vhembe keeps that rhythm, the next call would appear around mid-to-late November 2026. That is an expectation, not a promise, so watch the site rather than relying on it.
Because the window runs over the holidays, Grade 12 learners apply with their June results and do not wait for final NSC marks.
Qualifications the mayoral fund targets
The 2026 invitation listed diploma and bachelor’s studies in:
- Public administration (B Admin)
- Hydrology and water management
- Environmental, disaster or waste management
- Regional and town planning
- Civil, electrical, mining, mechanical or chemical engineering
- Finance, financial accounting, BCom Accounting or auditing
- Economics and business management
- Tourism, agriculture and information technology
Both matriculants and students already at a tertiary institution may apply. Many of these fields match the district’s own work in water services, disaster management and planning; students in water studies can compare the Department of Water and Sanitation bursary.
What goes in the envelope
- The completed Executive Mayor’s Bursary Fund application form
- Certified Grade 12 June results (school learners)
- Certified academic records (tertiary students)
- An affidavit from unemployed parents
- Certified copies of the ID or birth certificate of the student and both parents
- A reference letter from your school principal (Grade 12 learners)
- Proof of residence from the headman, civic or SANCO
The form asks for your local municipality and ward number, details of each parent’s employer, a short description of your family’s financial position, subjects passed with symbols, and the institution, duration, starting date and cost of the course you want. It closes with a question on how the course will help you reach your goals, so think about that answer before the deadline. The 2026 form also included an oath of secrecy page sworn in Thohoyandou.
Sending it to the Municipal Manager
Forms were obtainable from the Office of the Executive Mayor on the second floor of the municipal offices, and as a download on the municipal site. Applications were addressed to The Municipal Manager, Vhembe District Municipality, Private Bag X5006, Thohoyandou, 0950. The mayor’s office took enquiries on 015 960 2008 or 015 960 2057 during working hours.
Look for the new form on the bursary listings on the Vhembe District Municipality website. The 2026 Vhembe application form (Word document) shows the format, but submit only the form issued for 2027.
After the closing date
A selection committee decides, and its decision is final. Vhembe only writes to successful students, and they sign a contract with the municipality. No word from Vhembe within three months after the deadline means the committee did not pick you. The published adverts do not state a rand amount or a work-back period; read the contract carefully if you receive one.
Students from Mopani can compare the Greater Letaba Municipality bursary, and those heading into agricultural engineering or veterinary medicine should look at the Limpopo agriculture department’s bursary, which is taking 2027 applications now.