As a platform dedicated to guiding students towards credible educational funding, we recently examined Supabets’ “Geleza Nathi” initiative. Some members of the public have asked whether this promotion qualifies as a bursary. Given the importance of transparency in educational funding, UniApplyForMe believes it is vital to clarify the differences.
What Is “Geleza Nathi”?
The name “Geleza Nathi” is notably associated with SABC Education’s television program, which focuses on core subjects for learners. Supabets has introduced its own “Geleza Nathi” offering, described as a promotion for its betting community. While details on the Supabets website highlight financial incentives or bonuses, these are linked to customers’ betting activities rather than traditional academic support.
Understanding a Bursary
A bursary is generally understood to be a financial award granted to students for educational purposes, often based on criteria such as academic merit or financial need. Bursaries aim to relieve the financial burden of tuition or study-related expenses, allowing beneficiaries to concentrate on their academic goals.
In contrast, promotions tied to betting typically serve as marketing tools to increase user engagement. Although the name “Geleza Nathi” might be recognisable from an educational context, the Supabets promotion does not conform to the standard characteristics of a bursary.
Why This Distinction Matters
- Accuracy: Labelling a betting promotion as a bursary could mislead students seeking legitimate financial assistance.
- Ethics: Genuine bursaries are intended to support academic growth without requiring participants to gamble or undertake similar activities.
- Clarity: Maintaining a clear boundary between educational funding and gaming promotions ensures that students receive unambiguous information regarding financial support.
Our Position
UniApplyForMe encourages Supabets to clarify the true nature of its “Geleza Nathi” promotion. If the offering is not formally supporting educational costs, it should not be categorised as a bursary. The goal is to ensure that students, parents, and guardians fully understand the conditions and implications of any financial assistance they explore.
Moreover, UniApplyForMe emphasises that young people or financially vulnerable individuals should exercise caution with initiatives linked to gambling. A legitimate bursary does not necessitate wagering or other risk-based activities.
