E-Bursary System Eases Application Process

Western Cape Government Health officially launched its new e-bursary application system (e-BAS) at the Kromme Rhee Training Academy in Stellenbosch on 3 July 2012.

The system has been integrated into the Western Cape Government's online portal after its year-long pilot phase and is the Western Cape Government's first online management tool of its kind. The system is set to revolutionise the way in which students apply for bursaries in Health Sciences in the province.

Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha, says: "The electronic application system forms part of Western Cape Government Health's e-Health regeneration and will significantly accelerate bursary applications."

The system was developed in-house a year ago by the Centre for e-Innovation. The site's pilot phase has since proven highly successful by improving the quality and efficiency of government service delivery to bursars with more than 3 000 applications for Health Sciences bursaries captured online. Of these, more than 1 200 were applicants for bursaries in the Health Sciences, with applications for bursaries in Nursing treated independently.

The new improved and online application system will ease the application process with its easy accessibility and 24-hour availability, while its functionality emphasises practicality, not only for applicants that require funding, but also for staff members. Four students wanting to study Health Sciences next year, from Khayelitsha, Kraaifontein, Belhar and Ravensmead respectively, were invited to demonstrate the easy and straightforward workings of the new system and were excited about tracking the progress of their applications.

Candidates who meet all the application requirements can now register online at www.westerncape.gov.za/healthbursary and complete the online application form in five easy steps:

1. Personal details.
2. Parent/Guardian's details.
3. Acquired qualifications.
4. Choose qualification that funding is required for.
5. Upload supporting documents (upload all requested documents. Original certified documentation must be submitted with the declaration decision should the applicant be successful).

Applicants must apply to study Health Sciences at one of the following tertiary institutions: University of Cape Town (UCT), University of the Western Cape (UWC), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) or the University of Stellenbosch (US).

Applications for this year close on 10 August 2012 and the process will be followed by the adjudication of the bursary committee in October. Successful applicants will be notified thereafter.

The system also supports the Western Cape Government's 110% Green campaign which aims to mobilise citizens across the province to join to movement to "go green" (green being defined as low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive). Slipstreaming into the paperless eco-trend, the electronic system stores large amounts of data and assists in the storage and retrieval of accurate and up-to-date information on personnel recruitment, training and development. Prior to this, many hours were spent on looking through hundreds of paper-based files to find information.

Plans are also in the pipeline to develop the system as a mobi application for cellphones.

The department is committed to addressing the medical professional skills shortage in South Africa. To address this need, a limited number of full-time study bursaries are made available annually - securing and supporting a trained and motivated workforce.

Minister Botha added: "It is one of many projects that demonstrate our commitment to improved service delivery to the people of this province. I urge students to make use of the system. We offer the opportunity and when our citizens take responsibility, government and its people can certainly be better together."