GE AND ASSOCIATES SUCCESS STORIES

Dilip Bridgenath has been working for Bidfreight Port Operations for twenty six years. When his son Suveer showed a natural talent for academics, he applied and was accepted onto the Bursary Programme, an initiative of the Bidvest Dinatla Trust. The programme, now in its fourth year of providing school education bursaries for children and dependants of Bidvest staff is a lifesaver for parents wanting to provide their children with the best start in life. Not only was Suveer’s tuition paid for, but he also received access to one-on-one mentoring, orientation workshops, career guidance and development. After three years on the bursary programme, Suveer graduated in 2007 with 5A’s and a B. After much deliberation, he chose to enroll at the University of KwaZulu-Natal to remain close to his family and is currently studying Chemical Engineering.  In 2008 we had numeral of distintion coming from our students, Nokuthula Nkomo whose father is working for Waltons stationery has enrolled for LLB with Rhodes University, Senobia Peacock has enrolled for Bachelor of Science with Stellenbosch University and Deanka Govender enrolled for B/Com Accounting with University of KZN. The trust is managed by Gerri Engelman from GE & Associates, a consultancy specializing in corporate social responsibility with a focus on youth and education.  

“My family and Suveer would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Bidvest Dinatla Bursary Programme for awarding him the bursary. The extra lessons and the motivational talk by Gerri contributed tremendously to his success.” Dilip Bridgenath

Bidvest Dinatla Trust Bursary recipients receiving the certificate for their outstanding performances at the Evaluation and Monitoring held by GE& Associates in University of KZN on February 15, 2009

“Any words to describe how I felt at that moment when they told me that I got the bursary will always fall short of the reality! So here I am, living my dream and having to pinch myself every so often to make sure that it’s all real. Being born from a career-driven family in the township of Tembisa, even though we are disadvantaged never stopped me from living my dream. It has been hard to find a study aid as I was not the only matriculant in South Africa who was looking for a bursary, but there came an opportunity of a life time from Deutsche Bank, which taught me to be assertive, as assertive people succeed without stepping on the rights of others. Most of us strive to have a sense of purpose and direction in life and are constantly on the road to career growth.

Since I’ve been part of the Deutsche Bank family, I have found a new path for my life-to shape my career and future. The only thing I give back to Deutsche Bank is hard work accompanied by good marks and confidence. With no doubt I have confidence and faith in the future, and readily take action to achieve my goals.

Thank you Deutsche Bank & Gerri Engelman - we appreciate it.”

Onicah Mabidikama- BA (Journalism)  

Gerri Engelman was introduced to us to provide support until our final year.  Her support has been amazing especially keeping us on track academically and providing us with basic needs as students who enter an institution without the knowledge of university life.   

By Sifiso Madonsela – Bachelor of Science in Engineering  

“Personally, the meeting with Gerri is always helping me to realize the importance of planning. I have always tried to make plans for what I am supposed to do, but most of the time failed to fulfill them. But then the issue of having a schedule with breakdown of tasks to do is still what I am getting used to do. I believe that this is a process that will take time to master. I have been analyzing my situation since coming to University trying to understand factors which have caused my drop in my academic performance. I have always felt privileged for this opportunity and worked hard.

Thank you Gerri as you have always motivated me and the rest of us I am sure. After every meeting there is always a drive for me to continue.”