South32 is inviting applications for its 2027 Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi South32 HMM Community Bursary Scheme. The bursary provides financial assistance to eligible students pursuing full-time tertiary studies in South Africa.
The programme is aimed at qualifying applicants from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District in the Northern Cape, as well as eligible children of Hotazel Manganese Mines (HMM) employees.
Successful applicants may receive funding for tuition fees, accommodation, meals and prescribed books. The bursary supports selected STEM and non-STEM qualifications, giving students from eligible communities an opportunity to pursue a range of career paths.
Applications are reported to close on 31 October 2026 at 17:00. Eligible students should apply as soon as possible and confirm the requirements on the official application portal.
South32 HMM Bursary 2027: Quick Facts
Bursary provider: South32
Programme name: Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi South32 HMM Community Bursary
Academic year: 2027
Study level: Undergraduate degree and diploma
Fields of study: Engineering, mining, science, IT, business, education, health-related fields and selected other disciplines
Location: Applicants must meet the programme’s community or employee-family eligibility requirements
Funding: Tuition fees, accommodation, meal allowance and book allowance
Closing date: 31 October 2026 at 17:00
Application method: Online through Career Wise
Application code: HMM27
Enquiries: applications@careerwise.co.za
About the South32 HMM Bursary
South32 is a global mining and metals company with operations in Southern Africa and other regions. Through its Hotazel Manganese Mines operations, the company supports skills development and educational opportunities for eligible students connected to its communities.
The Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi bursary programme honours the late Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi, a scientist and business leader who served as a South32 Non-Executive Director.
The HMM community bursary is intended to help qualifying students access tertiary education and develop skills in fields relevant to their studies and future careers.
Fields of Study Covered
The 2027 HMM bursary advert includes STEM and non-STEM study fields.
STEM fields
Examples include:
Mining Engineering
Mine Surveying
Rock Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Non-STEM fields
Examples include:
Social Sciences
Philosophy
Management
Information Technology
Business Administration
Education and Training
Medicine and Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Hygiene
Safety and Environmental Management
The fields listed above are examples from the published information. Applicants should confirm that their specific qualification is accepted under the current HMM bursary advert.
What Does the South32 HMM Bursary Cover?
The published HMM bursary information lists the following benefits for successful applicants:
Tuition fees: Payment of qualifying study fees.
Accommodation: Support with approved accommodation costs.
Meal allowance: Financial assistance towards meals.
Book allowance: Support for prescribed study materials.
The advert does not publish a single fixed rand value for the full bursary package. The actual funding arrangements and applicable conditions should be confirmed with the bursary administrator.
Funding is assessed and renewed annually, subject to academic performance and conduct. Receiving an initial award does not guarantee funding for every subsequent year.
Who Can Apply?
The HMM bursary is intended for qualifying applicants connected to South32’s Hotazel Manganese Mines operation.
The published opportunity identifies the following applicant groups:
Students who are currently in Grade 12.
Applicants who have completed Matric.
Students in their first year of tertiary study.
Eligible residents of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District in the Northern Cape.
Eligible children of HMM employees.
Applicants should be preparing for full-time degree or diploma studies in 2027 and must meet the programme’s academic and other selection requirements.
Community applicants should be ready to provide proof of residence. Applicants using the employee-family route should confirm the required supporting evidence directly with Career Wise.
Important: Residence and employee-family eligibility are specific to this HMM bursary. Do not assume that the separate South32 Hillside bursary in KwaZulu-Natal has the same requirements.
Required Supporting Documents
The published application information identifies the following documents as relevant to the HMM bursary application:
Completed bursary application information.
Certified copy of a valid South African ID.
Certified Matric certificate, if Matric has been completed.
Latest preliminary or mid-year results for current Grade 12 learners.
Academic results or records, where applicable.
Proof of application to, acceptance by or registration at a tertiary institution, as required.
Proof of residence for applicants applying through the community route.
Applicants should check the current online application instructions for the complete list of required documents. Ensure all documents are clear, accurate and submitted in the requested format.
How to Apply for the South32 HMM Bursary 2027
Applications are reported to be submitted online through Career Wise.
Follow these steps:
Visit the Career Wise application portal.
Complete or update your applicant profile.
Select the relevant South32 HMM bursary opportunity.
Use the application code HMM27 as instructed.
Enter your personal, academic and contact information accurately.
Upload all required supporting documents.
Review your application before submitting it.
Submit your completed application before the stated closing time.
Save your submission confirmation for reference.
Application portal: https://www.careerwise.co.za/ats/preregistration/
Application code: HMM27
If you experience difficulty with the application process, contact Career Wise using the details below.
Closing Date
The reported closing date for the South32 HMM Bursary 2027 is 31 October 2026 at 17:00.
Late applications are reported not to be accepted. Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their documents.
Because the deadline and eligibility conditions are based on the specific HMM intake, applicants should confirm the latest details on the bursary administrator’s portal before submitting.
Contact Details
For questions about eligibility, supporting documents or the application process, contact the bursary administrator:
Administrator: Career Wise
Online application portal: https://www.careerwise.co.za/ats/preregistration/
When enquiring, mention the South32 HMM Bursary 2027 and application code HMM27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the South32 HMM Bursary open for 2027?
Recent published listings report that applications are open for the 2027 academic year, with a closing date of 31 October 2026 at 17:00. Applicants should confirm the live status on the application portal.
Does the South32 HMM Bursary cover accommodation and meals?
Yes. The published HMM bursary information lists tuition, accommodation, a meal allowance and a book allowance as funding benefits. Confirm the detailed terms with the bursary administrator.
Is the bursary only for engineering students?
No. The published opportunity includes both STEM and non-STEM fields, with examples such as business administration, education, information technology and health-related studies.
Can students from outside the John Taolo Gaetsewe District apply?
The community route is aimed at eligible residents of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. Children of HMM employees are also identified as an eligible applicant group. Applicants should confirm the exact requirements for their circumstances.
Is the bursary automatically renewed every year?
No. Renewal is subject to academic performance and conduct. Students should review the award terms and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Does the bursary guarantee a job at South32?
Applicants should not assume that bursary funding guarantees employment. The programme provides educational support, while employment opportunities are subject to separate requirements and recruitment processes.
Final Reminder
The South32 HMM Bursary 2027 may be a valuable opportunity for eligible students who need financial support for tertiary education.
Check the official application instructions, prepare the required documents and confirm your eligibility before applying.
Apply online: https://www.careerwise.co.za/ats/preregistration/
Closing date: 31 October 2026 at 17:00
Disclaimer: NextStepZA shares bursary information for educational purposes and is not affiliated with South32 or Career Wise. Applicants should confirm all requirements, funding conditions and deadlines with the bursary administrator before applying.