Amahle’s mom hopeful daughter is still alive

Hope Lingers for Missing Amahle Thabethe Six Years On

Hope Lingers for Missing Amahle Thabethe Six Years On

Tsakane, Brakpan – Six years after six-year-old Amahle Thabethe vanished from her Tsakane home on April 6, 2019, her mother Nokulunga Nkosi, now 40, clings to hope that her daughter is still alive. Amahle was last seen walking with an unknown man who lured her with promises of sweets while she played near her neighbor’s house. Despite a R50,000 reward offered by police, no credible leads have emerged, and the case docket was closed in January 2025 pending new information.

Nkosi, overwhelmed by daily grief, shared, “There just has to be someone, somewhere who saw her, knows what happened to her… I can’t begin to tell you how I feel every day when I wake up, every time that I see a learner in Grade 9, the same age as she is.” She regrets letting Amahle play unsupervised and advises parents to keep children in sight, fearing the world’s cruelty. Amahle’s grandfather, Thomas Nkosi, 77, whose health has deteriorated from stress, prays for divine intervention to bring her back.

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), during Child Protection Week, highlighted the case, noting child trafficking’s rise in Southern Africa, with 58.9% of victims reporting false promises. Missing Children SA estimates 23% of missing children remain unaccounted for. Nkosi seeks closure, even if it means confirming Amahle’s death, but until then, she refuses to give up, supported by a community that continues to pray for her daughter’s return.

Capitec Bank Opens Applications for 2026 External Bursary Programme

August 28, 2025 – Capitec Bank, a trailblazer in South Africa’s banking sector, has launched its External Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year, inviting passionate and driven students to apply.

Designed to empower the next generation of innovators, this full-cost bursary supports full-time undergraduate and Honours students pursuing studies in critical fields like Actuarial Science, Computer Science, and Finance. With a closing date of September 3, 2025, at 14:00, applicants are urged to submit their applications promptly to join Capitec’s mission of shaping the future of banking.

About Capitec Bank

Capitec Bank is at the forefront of transforming the banking landscape through simplicity, accessibility, and affordability. Recognized as “The Coolest Bank by Gen Z in 2024,” Capitec leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver personalized financial solutions, prioritizing client needs and community impact.

The Ignite and Grow Campaign reflects Capitec’s commitment to nurturing bold, brilliant talent, fostering innovation, and empowering students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations. By supporting future leaders, Capitec is driving sustainable growth and meaningful change in South Africa’s financial sector.

Bursary Overview

The Capitec External Bursary Programme 2026 is tailored for full-time students pursuing Bachelor’s or Honours qualifications (NQF Level 7 or higher) at DHET/CHE-accredited universities or private colleges. The bursary provides comprehensive financial support, enabling recipients to focus on their studies while gaining workplace exposure and readiness skills.

Funding is renewable annually based on academic performance, engagement, and budget availability, with a work-back obligation that offers graduates valuable career opportunities at Capitec.

What the Bursary Covers

  • Full tuition and registration fees.
  • Textbooks and study materials.
  • Accommodation (including off-campus lease agreements).
  • Monthly meal allowance.

Note: Final details of coverage will be confirmed in the bursary award/pledge letter signed by successful applicants.

Work-Back Obligation

Recipients are required to work at Capitec for each year of funding received. Failure to fulfill this obligation may require repayment of bursary benefits, plus interest at the prime rate.

Additional Conditions

  • Bursaries align with Capitec’s Employment Equity Plan, prioritizing transformation goals.
  • Non-disclosure of full-time study status or paid employment may result in termination of the bursary and repayment of benefits.
  • Applications with misrepresentations or incomplete documentation will be disqualified.

Eligible Fields of Study

The bursary supports students pursuing the following NQF 7+ qualifications:

  • Actuarial Science
  • Computer Science
  • Digital Marketing
  • Economics
  • Finance

  • Information Systems
  • Information Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Quantitative Management
  • Statistics

Note: The programme does not cover N4/5/6, Higher Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Master’s, Doctoral programmes, or studies at TVETs, community colleges, graduate/business schools, or distance-learning institutions like UNISA.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be in Matric (2025), on a gap year after Matric (2024), or enrolled in full-time studies in 2025 at a DHET/CHE-accredited institution.
  • Have a Bachelor’s Pass with a minimum 65% average in Matric (Grade 12).
  • For current tertiary students, maintain a minimum 65% average for 2024 and 2025 academic years.
  • Be registered as a first, second, or third/final-year student in an eligible field of study.
  • Preference is given to students completing their qualifications in the minimum prescribed time (no N+1 or longer) and those aligning with Capitec’s employment equity objectives.

Ineligible Applicants:

  • Students pursuing N4/5/6, Higher Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Master’s, or Doctoral programmes.
  • Students at TVETs, community colleges, or distance-learning institutions.

Selection Process

The application process may include:

  • Screening and shortlisting based on academic and eligibility criteria.
  • Interviews to assess passion, problem-solving, and alignment with Capitec’s values.
  • Psychometric assessments to evaluate learning agility and competencies.

Successful candidates will be notified within three months of the closing date. If no response is received by December 3, 2025, consider the application unsuccessful.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following certified documents (less than three months old, combined into single files where applicable):

  • South African ID.
  • Parents’/guardians’ RSA ID, non-SA passport, or death certificate (if deceased).
  • Proof of household income (SASSA documents, three months’ payslips, company registration for self-employed, or affidavits for unemployed guardians).
  • Proof of NSFAS or other bursary funding (or affidavit stating no such funding).

  • For Matric/gap-year students:
    • Grade 11 final report and Grade 12 Term 2 report (certified, with school stamp).
    • Matric certificate (if applicable).
  • For current tertiary students:
    • Matric certificate.
    • Full tertiary academic records for all years of study.
    • 2025 official university fee statement (including lease agreement for off-campus accommodation).

  • For gap-year tertiary students:
    • Matric certificate.
    • Full tertiary academic records or affidavit explaining non-study periods.
  • For applicants under 18:
    • Signed parental/guardian consent form and certified ID copy.
  • Optional (if applicable):
    • Department of Labour Employment Equity Act (EEA1) Form and doctor’s diagnosis letter for applicants with disabilities.

Note: Additional documents may be requested during Step 4 of the application process.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the Capitec Bursary Portal:
Apply Here

  • Complete the online application form accurately.
  • Upload all required certified documents in the specified format.
  • Submit by September 3, 2025, at 14:00. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Why Choose the Capitec Bursary?

The Capitec External Bursary Programme is more than financial support—it’s a pathway to academic and professional success. Benefits include:

  • Comprehensive Funding: Covers tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and stipends, allowing focus on studies.
  • Workplace Readiness: Gain exposure to Capitec’s innovative banking environment and develop skills for a seamless transition to a professional career.
  • Personal Development: Build your personal brand and professional network through mentorship and engagement.

  • Career Opportunities: Fulfill the work-back obligation with Capitec, gaining valuable experience in a leading bank committed to innovation and growth.
  • Impactful Contribution: Join a company recognized for its client-centric approach and dedication to transforming South Africa’s financial landscape.

Why Capitec?

Capitec Bank is a pioneer in redefining banking through technology, simplicity, and client focus. Named “The Coolest Bank by Gen Z in 2024,” Capitec empowers its employees and bursary recipients to innovate and make a meaningful impact. By joining the bursary programme, students align with a forward-thinking organization dedicated to fostering talent and driving sustainable growth across South Africa.

Apply now at Capitec Bursary Portal to unlock your potential and shape the future of banking with Capitec. Don’t miss the deadline—submit by September 3, 2025, at 14:00!

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