A strategic collaboration between Krones Southern Africa and the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme Foundation (ISFAP) is delivering tangible results, with 29 students funded to date, and a steadily growing commitment to expanding access to university qualifications in South Africa.

This impactful partnership is not just about bursaries; it's about building futures, especially in high-demand sectors. Of the students funded so far, six have already graduated, including four engineers, one accounting graduate, and one BCom Information Science graduate. The majority of students supported by Krones Southern Africa are pursuing Engineering degrees, aligning with South Africa’s urgent need for technically skilled professionals.

“These figures represent more than just the number of students funded, they represent young people with dreams, families with hope, and a country with potential,” says Werner Abrahams, CEO of ISFAP.

Krones Southern Africa has sustained, and continues to increase, its investment in the lives of young South Africans. Their support reflects a long-term commitment to youth empowerment, educational transformation, and industry-relevant skills development:

• In 2022 and 2023, 6 students were funded each year
• In 2024, the number rose to 11 students
• In 2025, Krones is supporting an impressive 18 students

This upward trajectory demonstrates a shared belief between Krones Southern Africa and ISFAP that access to education is a national imperative, and that cross-sector partnerships are key to closing the funding gap.

“We are quite pleased about the success rates that we have seen and the growth of the partnership,” adds Abrahams, noting that this success is due in large part to the rigour of ISFAP’s systems.

ISFAP’s model goes beyond traditional funding approaches. The programme is designed to support the whole student, ensuring their success not just in academics, but also in life. Students benefit from a comprehensive wraparound support system that includes:

• Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and transport
• Academic support, such as tutoring and mentorship
• Life skills development and psychosocial support
• Work readiness training to ease the transition into the job market

“The ISFAP model recognises that success is about more than fees and creates the conditions where students can truly thrive,” says Abrahams. “The continued support we have received from Krones Southern Africa helps to make that possible, and we are deeply grateful for their growing commitment.”

Krones Southern Africa views this initiative as a core part of its strategy to promote skills development, transformation, and corporate social responsibility.

“By investing in education, we are directly addressing the urgent need for skilled professionals in the engineering sector,” says Charity Kubjane, Head of Finance and Administration at Krones Southern Africa. “This initiative supports transformation by creating inclusive opportunities for underrepresented communities and helps to build a diverse workforce that reflects South Africa’s demographics.”

Their partnership with ISFAP is aligned with a broader vision of sustainable development and innovation.

“This collaboration not only helps bridge the skills gap in South Africa,” Kubjane continues, “but also reinforces our role as a responsible corporate citizen, investing in the future of the youth and empowering them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the economy.”

As Krones Southern Africa continues to invest in students through ISFAP, the organisation hopes to inspire more corporate partners to get involved. South Africa’s higher education system remains under pressure, with many talented students unable to access or complete their studies due to financial constraints.

“We’re calling on more corporate partners to join us,” concludes Abrahams. “Together, we can widen the doors of opportunity and help build a workforce that reflects the full potential of our country’s youth.”

The partnership between Krones Southern Africa and ISFAP stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through strategic collaboration, targeted investment, and a deep belief in the power of education. By working together to fund students in critical skills programmes and supporting them holistically, ISFAP and Krones Southern Africa are not only changing individual lives, they are helping to shape a more inclusive, skilled, and economically resilient South Africa for generations to come.