Yolisa Motha

Former US president John F Kennedy is quoted as saying: “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education.”

“In South Africa, we’re acutely aware of the gulf that exists between where we are as a nation and where we want to be, and I believe that the only sustainable way to get there is through investing in the young minds who hold our future in their hands,” Andrew Human, CEO of the Loeries®.

Now in its ninth year, the Loeries® Creative Future Scholarship seeks to push South Africa forward by bolstering its creative economy through investing in creative skills development.

The scholarship aims to assist learners from disadvantaged backgrounds to study brand communication at a tertiary level, and build awareness of the career opportunities available in the creative services sector. Unlike other education funds, the Loeries® Creative Future Scholarship goes to high schools and seeks out talented individuals. Through this process, learners who would otherwise be unaware of the opportunities available to them are given a foothold to enter the creative economy.

The Loeries® Creative Future Scholarship is the richest scholarship in the local creative industry. It includes tuition fees, allowances for study materials and textbooks, a computer, living expenses, transport subsidy, mentorship, internships and assistance with employment after graduation. In 2017, the Loeries® is once again partnering with the Vega School of Brand Leadership in Durban, and entry is open to Grade 12 learners in KwaZulu-Natal.

“It is our aim to help youngsters transform their lives with the best asset they have – their minds,” says Andrew Human, CEO of the Loeries®.

In 2015, Yolisa Motha and Nomfundo Mcoyi, both from Durban Girls’ High School, were awarded full scholarships. Both have embarked on the next phase of their creative journeys, and are in their first year at Vega School of Brand Leadership in Durban. Additional scholarships in 2015 were awarded to Azuri Muhuli from Glenwood High School and Wandile Cele from Hillgrove High School, to study at Vega Durban; and Melissa Paterson from Durban Girls’ High School, who is in her first year at Design School South Africa, Durban.

The Entry Process:

Entries are open exclusively to talented Grade 12 learners from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in KwaZulu-Natal. To help streamline the selection process, educators should identify Grade 12 learners who show strong potential in disciplines such as writing, design, photography, animation, film, drawing or the like and apply on their behalf by Monday, 4 July. The selection process involves a review of learners’ portfolios, a creative challenge, and a grueling interview. Successful candidates must matriculate with university exemption.

Entries close on 4 July. Go to loeries.com to download the entry form – and be part of a future that looks for creative solutions to real problems.

Major Partners of the Loeries 2016

Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN), the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal Province (EDTEA), EThekwini Municipality – Durban Tourism, DStv Media Sales, Gearhouse South Africa

Category Partners

Accenture, Adams & Adams, ADreach, Channel O, Facebook, Film & Publication Board, Google, JCDecaux, Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA), The Times, Unilever South Africa, Woolworths, YFM

Additional Partners and Official Suppliers

AAA School of Advertising, Antalis South Africa, Aon South Africa, Arcade Content, Association of Practitioners in Advertising, Backsberg, BEE Online, Brand Council SA, Clive Stewart Photography, Egg Films, First Source, Funk Productions, Gallo Images, Graphica, Grid Worldwide, HelloCrowd, Hetzner, Mobile Marketing Association South Africa, Multiprint Litho, Newsclip, Paygate, Rocketseed, Red Hot Ops, Scan Display, South African Airways, Telkom SA SOC Ltd, Tiekie Barnard Consultancy, Tsogo Sun, Vega School of Brand Leadership

Official Media Partners

Adlip.com, Between 10and5, Bizcommunity.com, Coloribus Advertising Archive, Design Times, Film & Event Media, iDidTht.com, Marketing Edge Nigeria, Music in Africa, The Redzone