We are proud to announce our first Candidate Fellow: Tshepiso Bogacwi

We are proud to introduce Tshepiso Bogacwi, the very first Vejayanthran Candidate Fellow! With a background in Chemical Science and a passion for teaching Mathematics and Science, Tshepiso is on a mission to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers. As she pursues her PGCE at UCT, we are honored to support her journey to becoming a world-class educator. Stay tuned as she paves the way for future fellows!

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Are you an aspiring teacher?

Apply for a Vejayanthran Scholarship which funds 100% of the PGCE qualification (the ONLY qualification that provides professional registration with the South African Council for Educators) at the University of Cape Town.

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About The Vejayanthran Education Fund

Vejayanthran Naidoo was a leading South African educator and principal who served the education community in KwaZulu Natal for over 30 years. He spent most of his career in education as a principal of Esselen Heights Primary, serving the entire school community for 21 years. Under his knowledgeable guidance and leadership, Esselen Heights grew from strength to strength becoming one of the top schools in the country.He felt it was critical to empower and capacitate all those under his leadership. The Vejayanthran Education Fund honours his commitment and continues to build the next generation of education leaders.

Mission

The Vejayanthran Education Fund (VEF) aims to transform the educational landscape of South Africa by empowering future educators.Our mission is to develop 20 new world-class teachers by 2030 by providing scholarships to high-potential students, who face financial constraints, to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the University of Cape Town, the number one ranked university on the continent.By fostering highly trained, professional educators, we honour the legacy of Vejayanthran Naidoo and contribute to building a more equitable, high-quality education system in South Africa.

The Problem

South Africa faces a significant decline in the number of aspiring teachers due to the discontinuation of NSFAS funding for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
At the University of Cape Town, 3,000 aspiring teachers apply annually for just 300 available spots. Although 500 offers are extended, only 300 candidates are able to accept due to various challenges. Financial constraints, cited as the primary barrier, prevent 200 aspiring teachers—40% of those offered places—from pursuing their dreamsThis drop off threatens to deepen the shortage of qualified teachers, particularly impacting schools in under-resourced areas.
World class teachers are essential to bridging educational gaps and fostering a higher standard of learning, especially in communities that face socio-economic challenges.Funding high-potential students for their PGCE ensures a consistent influx of skilled, committed educators who can address these challenges and uplift the quality of education in South Africa.

Objectives (2025 - 2030)

Objective 1: Fund and mentor 20 aspiring teachers by 2030
1.1) Ensure at least 90% of scholarship recipients successfully complete their PGCE qualification within the standard one-year timeframe.
1.2) Raise R2 million to enable this funding and mentoring to happen.Objective 2: Achieve professional employment and teaching impact
2.1) Support 100% of recipients in obtaining professional registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
2.2) Ensure that at least 95% of funded students gain professional registration within six months of graduation.
2.3) Track that 80% of scholarship alumni secure teaching positions within a year of graduation.
2.4) Retain scholarship recipients in the education field for a minimum of five years post-graduation. Track and confirm that at least 80% of alumni remain active in the education sector.Objective 3: Strengthening alumni engagement and measuring educational impact
3.1) Establish a structured alumni program to encourage mentorship and professional growth. Ensure 75% of scholarship alumni participate in mentorship or professional development programs within three years of graduation.
3.2) Conduct annual surveys to assess how funded educators are contributing to student performance and the overall school environment, with a 90% positive impact response rate.

The Vejayanthran Scholarship

At the Vejayanthran Education Fund (VEF), our mission is to develop world-class teachers who can inspire and uplift the next generation of South African students. To achieve this, we provide scholarships to high-potential students who face financial constraints, ensuring that passionate and talented individuals can pursue their calling in education.Scholarship OverviewSelected scholarship recipients will receive a scholarship up to the value of R100,000 to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the University of Cape Town, the number one ranked university on the continent. Tuition Fees for the PGCE (approx R70,000 in 2025) will be paid in full (this does NOT including residence fees, we only accept day students who live in Cape Town) and a sum of R30,000 will be granted towards travel and other living expenses.This scholarship aims to remove financial barriers, enabling future educators to focus on their studies and professional development.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications closed for 2025. 2026 intake will open October 2025.

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Vejayanthran Candidate Fellows

Vejayanthran Candidate Fellows are aspiring educators on the path to becoming world-class teachers. Selected for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and deep commitment to nurturing young minds, these future educators are currently completing their PGCE at the University of Cape Town with full support from the Vejayanthran Education Fund. As Candidate Fellows, they receive expert training, mentorship, and practical classroom experience, preparing them to enter the profession with confidence and purpose. Their journey is just beginning, but their impact on South African education will be profound.

Tshepiso Bogacwi – Vejayanthran Candidate Fellow 1

Tshepiso Bogacwi is a passionate and determined educator-in-the-making, selected as the very first Vejayanthran Candidate Fellow. With a BSc in Chemical Science (Chemistry) from the University of the Western Cape, she brings a strong academic foundation in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Natural Sciences—subjects that are essential in shaping the critical thinkers and problem-solvers of tomorrow.She will be completing her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the University of Cape Town in 2025 and is fully committed to the teaching profession. Her love for learning and sharing knowledge is evident in her personal philosophy: education is about more than just content delivery—it’s about empowering young minds, fostering problem-solving skills, and guiding learners to their full potential.Beyond her academic achievements, Tshepiso’s story is one of resilience and dedication. Raised by her grandparents, she has faced financial challenges (her family monthly household income was less than R10,000) but has never let them stand in the way of her dreams. With the support of the Vejayanthran Education Fund, she now has the opportunity to focus entirely on her mission—to shape the next generation of leaders, scientists, and innovators.As a Vejayanthran Candidate Fellow, Tshepiso is on a journey to becoming a world-class educator, equipped with the skills, passion, and drive to make a lasting impact on South African education. We are incredibly proud to support her as she embarks on this exciting chapter, and we know she will inspire countless learners in the years to come.

We are deeply grateful to our generous supporters who make the mission of the Vejayanthran Education Fund possible

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