Growing the valuation profession one bursary at a time

PRESS RELEASE

As we move further into the academic year, five students at the University of Johannesburg are enjoying the benefits of furthering their education without a hefty price tag. Amongst the recipients are Nompumelelo Simani and Amanda Mtshali, who are underway with their Advanced Diploma in Real Estate, having each received a bursary from the South African Institute of Valuers (SAIV).

The SAIV looks after the interests of property valuers and the local property valuation profession. The Institute created a bursary programme a number of years ago in response to the need for more highly skilled professionals in the industry. Along with the bursary, candidates are also given support through the SAIV Mentorship Programme.

Nompumelelo Simani said she came across the opportunity while researching the industry. “I would not have been able to further my studies without the SAIV bursary. I am so excited to have been awarded this chance to develop myself because I believe that a solid education is the best path to a good career. I am currently unemployed, but I cannot wait to receive my new qualification and use it to find great work opportunities. That is my priority for now. But once I establish myself in the industry, who knows? You might just find that I’ve started my own business,” she says.

Simani reports that a huge challenge for young graduates is that many jobs require you to have already gained work experience. With the help of the SAIV mentorship programme, the hope is that young professionals will be more employable when they complete their studies. “So many graduates can’t find work after leaving university. My advice to high school students who are deciding on their career path is; do your research! Find out exactly what requirements you will need to meet for the job that you want, and work from there,” says Simani.

Amanda Mtshali, a graduate from UKZN and CPUT, says she found out about the bursary programme from a friend. “I am honoured to have received this incredible opportunity to further my studies. Once I am more qualified, my ambition is to become a professional valuer, and possibly branch out into property management and property development.”

The funding received from SAIV through the bursary programme is not repayable on completion of the course; it just requires that the recipients complete their qualifications. This means that these five students can enter the job market without a heavy financial burden. Many students have passed through the bursary programme since its inception, and the Institute looks forward to more as they continue to drive growth and professionalism in the property valuation sector.

Bursary applications for the 2023 academic year close on 31 October 2022. Click here for more information.