SACTWU+pays+out+nearly+R4m+in+bursaries+for+2006

SACTWU PRESS RELEASE, 8 September 2006
=SACTWU PAYS OUT R3.8m IN BURSARIES FOR 2006=

The Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers' Union (SACTWU) has paid out R3.8 million in bursaries this year. The union's Bursary Fund has, at the closure date for this year, received almost 1500 bursary applications. Of this total, just over 1 000 applications have already been approved and paid out.

Of the 1500 bursars which the union expects to assist this year, 82% are at universities, and 18% are at local colleges.

We have also received and 102 applications for our Special Schools Bursary. This bursary is to assist members who have children at schools for special needs and the union has to date paid out R44 000 in assistance in this regard.

The union's bursary scheme was started in 1975 with a small solidarity contribution by the union's membership into a fund to help support each other to meet the education expenditure of their children. Today this tradition continues, with funds made up through contributions by workers, companies and through funds generated through the union's investment company.

This year's payout brings the total bursary fund assistance provided to members to R45 million over the last eleven years alone.

In addition to this bursary assistance, the union has to date spent R9.6 million for primary school numeracy and literacy support.

SACTWU regards this as an important contribution towards the socio-economic upliftment of working class families and to the reconstruction and development of our country.

SACTWU has about 110,000 members and is one of COSATU's largest affiliates.

SACTWU operates the country's largest trade union run bursary scheme. Issued by** Deputy General Secretary**
 * Andre Kriel**
 * SACTWU**

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