The Rural Education Access Programme
What We Do
The Rural Education Access Programme (REAP) assists young people from low income households in marginalised rural communities in South Africa to access and succeed in post-school education and training (PSET) opportunities. Matriculants from these communities have often been excluded from these opportunities due to poverty, poor education, lack of information, distance from urban centres or educational hubs, and historical apartheid discrimination.
REAP meets this essential need in South Africa by preparing senior learners at rural school and guiding them into appropriate courses and state funding mechanisms. Once the student is enrolled in a PSET course and in receipt of NSFAS funding, REAP offers a ‘wrap around’ support package, which includes individualised mentoring, life skills training and preparation for the workplace as well as a modest stipend and a laptop computer. Without this support many of these learners would be unable to fulfil their potential, succeed in their studies, find employment and make a contribution to the development of South Africa. Young adults are given new hope, not only to escape poverty themselves, but also to uplift their families and become active and ethical citizens.
Impact
A series of tracking studies indicate clearly that REAP has had a major impact on the lives of our former students. By giving them an opportunity to further their studies and follow a promising career path, REAP has helped change the social and economic status of many. It seems to be a common trend for graduates to become deeply engaged in helping their extended families, both financially and in other ways, such as acting as role models and symbols of hope to the people around them. A large percentage of former REAP students have also actively sought to plough back into their communities. It seems the support and encouragement provided by REAP stirs a growing ambition to succeed and a desire to contribute to society.
Post School Readiness Programme
REAP currently offers this programme in 8 secondary schools in 3 provinces.
- Workshop programme addressing a range of topics including goal setting, career assessments, basic IT skills training, communication (Grades 10 -12)
- Career information including career fair
- Post-school planning advice/ goal setting (including exiting without matric certificate)
- Support with NSFAS / funding applications
- Support with PSET applications
Support to both University & TVET students
- Supplementary bursary funding – including stipends, laptop computer, technical equipment. Core bursary funding (tuition, accommodation, meals, books) comes from NSFAS or an external bursary.
- Regular mentoring, advice and counselling provided by a dedicated Student Development Advisor, which takes place either face-to-face or telephonically.
- Camps and workshops designed to develop social, employability and academic skills.
- Peer mentoring and group support.
- Academic performance monitoring and referrals for additional support.
- Liaison with institutional student services and referrals as required.
- Introductions to additional service providers.
- An opportunity to sow back through voluntary community service.
- Work placed learning programme
Our developmental approach teaches and encourages students to eventually come to a place of independence where they can face challenges and solve problems on their own. REAP also regularly undertakes research and advocates remedies for inequities that impact our students.
In 2026, REAP is supporting 206 students from rural communities across South Africa. Of these, 120 are studying at Public Universities and Universities of Technology across seven provinces, while 86 are enrolled at TVET Colleges. Our students pursue a wide range of undergraduate disciplines, and all come from households earning less than ZAR 350,000 per year (gross). The programme currently includes 51 first‑year students.
Post School Opportunities Programme
The P-SOP Club provides a structured and supportive space where young people who have matriculated and are not in formal study can meet regularly to develop essential life skills related to post-school study and employment.
Participants are supported to strengthen their computer and English proficiency, explore training and employment pathways aligned with their interests, and consider options for achieving personal and economic sustainability. The programme assists those intending to study at TVET colleges or universities with application processes while also seeking to connect other participants to appropriate training opportunities, work-shadowing, or skills development once their areas of interest have been identified.
The main goal of the P-SOP is to assist youth to be better prepared for post-school study or training and /or to become personally and economically sustainable.
Alumni
REAP welcomes all former students to the REAP Alumni Association.
We have always wanted to cultivate a sense of extended family at REAP and believe strongly that ties should not be cut at the point of graduation. Our alumni association has huge potential benefits for both REAP and its students.
You are now part of a network of fellow graduates, each of whom travelled a similar path from humble rural beginnings into professional life. We know that connections and relationships are critical to future success and this unique network can be a vehicle for you to utilize to your advantage if you take the initiative and grasp it.
You also have an opportunity to give back to REAP students who follow you. This could be as an industry mentor, as a presenter at our camps & workshops, as a future employer and even as a donor. REAP strongly encourages a spirit of community serving humanity and this is a great way to put that into practice.
You can be encouraged and motivated by what other REAP graduates have gone on to achieve as we feature stories and testimonials in our social media platforms, regular newsletter, Annual Report and website. It is also a chance for you to showcase your achievements to other alumni.
Meet
Sanele Gamede
Sanele graduated with a BSc from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2013. He writes: “I am so grateful for what REAP gave me. Today I am involved with personal development, which consists of Life Coaching, Business Coaching, Sales Coaching and Career Guidance. I have recently been published in 4 newspapers, UKZN Online Indaba, Isolezwe, Daily News and The Sowetan after my IT Company won the 6th KZN Young Achievers Award for 2016.
REAP has created a platform for me not only to be educated but to create jobs, empower other people and be an inspiration to many.
It is for that reason that I would like to be one of REAP ambassadors and promote the spirit of excellence in all REAP students in the country. I am still a registered student at UKZN Howard College doing my Masters and I am able to handle all. I have not only graduated but I am also married and my wife goes to Howard College too. We have one beautiful daughter. As a public speaker and motivational speaker I would like to be part of the team, that motivates REAP students who think they can’t make it. As a life coach also I would love to coach a lot of young people who seem to be confused at some point in universities.”
Meet
Akhona Gqada
I left the Eastern Cape and came to Johannesburg after I received a message from Wits University, confirming that I had been accepted for Mining Engineering. This was a dream come true for me. I made a call to REAP and a representative came from the head office in Cape Town to assist us with getting accommodation as we were not used to the area. This showed that the bursary company was not all about money, they also cared about our well-being.
After we were safe and had settled, the REAP representative left but ensured that we had a mentor in place. For me, Wits University was a new environment and navigating through it was a challenge. A bigger challenge was awaiting me as we were required to use computers. This was my first time even coming close to a computer, but with the help of the REAP mentor I was able to learn the basics. This was important because I was studying with people who owned laptops and using it was not a challenge for them.
I eventually graduated from the University of Witwatersrand with an honors degree in Mining Engineering. Currently, I am employed at Sibanye Gold. I also run my own events and catering company called Abundant Events which was birthed from community service. Community service being a requirement as a beneficiary of a REAP bursary, this was my way of giving back to the community. Any surplus funds from the events I host are then given to a shelter or those who are homeless. This goes a long way in assisting the less privileged.
In retrospect, people around me believed that my life would never amount to anything, and at some point I also believed that was true. I am where I am because God all mighty made it possible. Without the funds from REAP, going to university would have remained a dream. It’s amazing how one person’s idea can change a life. I would like to thank and show my appreciation to all the donors who give funding to ensure that opportunities are given to the ones who cannot afford to realize their dreams.
Research
This has entailed a range of research reports, symposia and conference presentations over many years. This work also identifies overarching issues affecting all students which can be points of advocacy for systemic reform. We are also a founding member and active participant in the National Bursary Support Providers’ Forum nationalbursaryforum.org.za, which also contributes to this research.