GQEBERHA – Businesses in Nelson Mandela Bay are being invited to explore a new bursary model aimed at supporting employees’ children while strengthening staff retention, through an upcoming online presentation hosted in partnership with the Rotary Club of Port Elizabeth West.

The initiative, driven by Brylin Independent Learning Centre, introduces a company-funded bursary structure in which businesses sponsor the education of employees’ children, either fully or in part, as part of their overall remuneration package. Brylin supports the model by offering discounted tuition fees, typically between 5% and 15%.

The concept will be unpacked during a free Zoom presentation on Monday, 11 May at 18:00, where business owners will be introduced to both the educational offering and its potential human resource benefits.

According to Clive Hassell of the Rotary Club of Port Elizabeth West, the model is designed to offer companies an alternative way to reward and retain key staff. “It’s effectively a benefit, like medical aid or a company car,” said Hassell. “Instead of increasing salaries, a business can invest in a child’s education. That becomes a strong incentive for employees to stay.”

Brylin Trustee, Jax Elliot, said the initiative is centred on a collaborative approach between the school, employer and employee. “This is about creating a three-way partnership that places the child’s education at the centre,” Elliot explained. “By supporting learners from an early stage, businesses are not only assisting families but also contributing to long-term social and economic development.”

Under the model, participating companies identify employees they wish to support, with selection largely at the employer’s discretion. While the focus is primarily on younger learners to maximise long-term impact, the bursary is open across all grades, from early childhood through to Grade 12.

Brylin has set an initial target of approximately 50 learners, with the number of participating businesses dependent on how many employees each company chooses to sponsor.

In addition to staff retention benefits, the initiative may also assist companies in improving their Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) standing, particularly where support contributes to education and skills development.

The Rotary Club has played a coordinating role in bringing stakeholders together and facilitating engagement with the local business community, positioning the initiative as both a business solution and a community investment.

Hassell noted that while Rotary is supporting the rollout, the focus of the event remains on the bursary opportunity itself. “We’re trying to show Rotary in action by enabling something meaningful for the community and for businesses,” he said.

Businesses interested in attending the online session can request a Zoom link via email at crh@webafrica.org.za or by WhatsApp on 072 889 6405.

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