The South African Avocado Growers’ Association (SAAGA) makes bursaries available to individuals from historically disadvantaged groups for studies towards a BSc (Agric) or equivalent degrees majoring in Horticultural Science or Agricultural Economics / Agribusiness. Persons studying towards Honours and master’s degrees in the abovementioned fields will also be considered.

Aim of bursary

To ensure that appropriately trained graduates of colour enter the South African avocado industry to enable continued growth of the sector. 

Duration of bursary

For any one student, the bursary will be available for an initial period of one year, after which progress will determine the extension of the bursary. If a student is awarded the bursary for the first time, he/she will not automatically qualify for the bursary for the next year. 

Obligations of recipient to the avocado industry

Students awarded a bursary by SAAGA will be required to work for the SA Subtropical Growers’ Association (Subtrop) for a period of one year for each year that the bursary is awarded, provided that a position is available. If no position is available at the time that the recipient completes his/her degree, there will be no obligation to Subtrop. If no position is available in Subtrop, the recipient will be assisted in finding a placement with members of SAAGA. Subtrop is the umbrella organisation that manages the affairs of the SA Avocado, Litchi and Mango Growers’ Associations. 

 Recipients of the bursary will be required to focus their seminars and projects on avocados where possible.

Recipients wishing to continue with postgraduate studies

Recipients wishing to continue with a postgraduate degree will be allowed to do so provided that the research to be carried out will further equip the student to effectively serve the avocado industry as an employee of Subtrop. The bursary scheme will not make provision for postgraduate students, as SAAGA funds research carried out by postgraduate students, which in effect, amounts to a bursary.

Application

Applications should be forwarded to the offices of Subtrop, not later than 31 October of the year preceding the academic year for which the bursary is applied. The attached application form should be completed and supporting documentation must be attached. 

Applicants that have not been contacted by 31 December should consider their application unsuccessful. 

Bursary awards and penalties

A panel appointed by SAAGA will evaluate all applications. Applicants will be advised of the decision timeously. Successful applicants will be required to sign a contractual agreement with Subtrop. The value of the bursary award will be dependent on each individual case and will be reviewed annually. 

If a recipient does not pass the course for which the bursary has been awarded, he/she will be required to pay back the bursary over a period equal to the length of the bursary, repayment commencing at the beginning of the year after the year in which the bursary was awarded