Ms Omphile Bertha Taele, will join an elite group of students who are recipients of the prestigious Abe Bailey Trust and Travel Bursary. The Travel Bursaries are awarded annually and cover the cost of an all-expenses-paid 3-week educational tour of England and Scotland. Taele, who graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction and recognition as the best performing student in her programme, embodies the qualities sought by the Abe Bailey Trust.
The Abe Bailey Travel Bursary focuses on leadership development and is awarded to students who are academically strong, exhibit exceptional leadership and service qualities, and have a proven track record in both campus and wider social settings. Taele’s participation in the Future Focused Transgariep Leadership Programme and the Peer Mentorship Programme at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) honed her leadership skills and prepared her for this extraordinary opportunity. Additionally, she volunteers at Child Welfare in Kimberley, conducts site visits for mock parliament preparations, and serves as an executive member of the SPU Heritage and Archaeology Society.
Upon learning about her selection, Taele was overwhelmed with emotion, describing the moment as surreal. She looks forward to understanding governance in the UK, engaging with fellow leaders, and exploring British culture to broaden her global perspective and enhance her cultural awareness. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours Degree at SPU, she believes this experience will significantly boost her career by opening doors to international collaborations and professional growth.
Taele credits the University’s supportive environment and its staff for easing her transition as a first-year student and shaping her SPU journey. She also acknowledges the support and encouragement from her parents, friends, lecturers, and Dr Caroline Hoorn, Senior Manager: Administration, in the Office of the University Registrar, who played a pivotal role in her application process.
Dr Hoorn expressed immense pride in Taele’s selection, highlighting it as a significant achievement for SPU, especially as the University celebrates its decade of excellence. Omphile’s selection is a testament to SPU’s commitment to graduating competent citizens capable of realizing societal aspirations.
SPU congratulates Omphile Taele on this exceptional opportunity. We look forward to hearing about her experiences when she returns from her tour later this year.
