The IIBA South African chapter has recently begun its ECBA bursary pilot programme. The programme is piloting with six individuals and will include funding for Analysis Coaching, Membership to IIBA and IIBA-SA, ECBA Practice Exams and the ECBA Exam. Once out of the pilot the programme it will be opened to the general public to apply.
 
Francois Combrink, the head of Professional Development at IIBA-SA had the following to say. “The bursary recipients in the pilot programme are a dynamic group of individuals and their passion for learning, for growth and for making a difference in the community was evident throughout the application process. The energy and passion of these pilot bursary recipients has already convinced us of the merits of the programme and we are looking forward to seeing the difference that these individuals will make in their respective companies and their communities at large.”
 
The ECBA bursary is so much more than just funding for a certification.  We are highly focused in offering development for well-balanced individuals so that our candidates not only become certified BA’s, but are committed to becoming individuals who adhere to a high industry standard.

The chapters’ strategy for this programme is aimed at facilitating the empowerment of selected individuals to enter a Business Analysis career path and become brand ambassadors for the IIBA South Africa Chapter.

Sandy Smith who is the project owner had the following to say. “It is a privilege and an honour to be part of the program.  They learn from me and I learn from them. What a great experience!”
 
Take a look at the below profiles of our pilot programme bursary recipients.
 

	Neo Letsaba I am a Digital Support Analyst at Absa Capital. Knowing that I have made someone's job that much easier is a force that drives me the most. I take pride in delivering excellence in the work that I do. I graduated from Vaal University of Technology with a B-Tech degree in Management Accounting in 2015.  While I was in university, I had a part-time job as a field researcher at Massmart which is where my passion for analytic work began.  After I graduated I got an opportunity to be on a learnership for Data and Business Analysis with Mindworx Academy. I subsequently got employed at Absa Capital where I currently work. I’m passionate about helping young boys and girls in realizing their dreams and unlocking their full potential. As a result, when I was in university I joined the BMFsc which is aimed at creating a platform for young men and women to engage on social-economic matters challenging South African youth.
	Munya Siti I matriculated in 2012 with the hopes of studying political sciences or law at Wits. I however took a gap year the following year 2012 as I couldn’t afford the fees to study either of my desired courses. It was during that year that I stumbled across the concept of Business Analysis and from then onwards I was focused on eventually becoming a Business Analyst.  In 2014 I enrolled at IIE Rosebank College to study IT in Business Systems obtaining the degree in 2017. The ECBA is one of the last pieces in the puzzle which will help me realize my goal and equip me as a credible BA, which has been 4 years in the making. I hope to be one of the best and most sought-after BA’s in the future.
	Duka Hlatshwayo After high school I enrolled to study Mechanical engineering at college and worked part time to pay my fees. In my 2nd year I focused my attention more on Aeronautical engineering becoming one of the top ten students in my class. With these results I applied and got accepted at Denel Aviation and Cummins Diesel to study under their learnership program but choose to go with Denel as aviation got me excited. I proceeded with my first-year studies with Denel Centre of Learning and Development then went onto the South African Air Force for the next two years to continue with my practical and received my trade certificate as an aircraft mechanic.   There after I worked with Tiger Brands Foundation as a Meal Program Coordinator within townships Primary schools in the Johannesburg area. We the foundation were responsible for assisting the school feeding scheme, Life Orientation and extra mural activities.   I later joined the TYME business as a Back-Office Administrator. This is where I learnt and gained knowledge on the relationship between business users and their systems. This experience got me intrigued in the world of Business Analysis, then I approached the company with my newly established career plan. I was relocated to the position of a Process Analyst as a step towards my career ambition of becoming a Business Analyst.
	Robyn Bouillon I have worked in a few industries from telesales to project administration throughout the years.   It was through my short journey at two different companies and watching BA’s in action that caught my attention and made me pursue a career in business analysis.   Through reading the BABOK for my ECBA exam, I have noticed that a lot of the techniques and teachings are applicable to everyday life which inspires me in my up and coming career as well as my personal life.   I aspire to create a good example and be the best business analyst and person I can be.
	Zandile Keebine After completing my BSc Hons degree in Computational and applied Mathematics from the University of Witwatersrand in 2012, I joined the Johannesburg Centre of Engineering Coachlab program. Here is where I found my love and passion for business analysis.   In the past 5 years I’ve been working in the ICT sector as a business analyst, delivering on various projects that required me to identify appropriate and innovative solutions and designing software solutions for various clients in the public sector.   I am now pursuing my certification as a Business Analyst to marry my industry experience with academic knowledge and industry best practice and standards.   Apart from my passion for bringing innovative solutions to organisation, I am very passionate about the prospects of technology in Africa and the role women can play in developing life changing technologies which is why I founded an organisation, GirlCode, aimed at getting more women to become software developers.
	Ada Brand My 24 years of corporate work experience, in South Africa and abroad, range from the transport industry, banking sector and the insurance industry. This is complemented by a Baccalaureus Technologies degree Cum Laude (in Office management and technology) from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.   During this period, I worked in numerous positions and experienced many organizational, process - related and structural changes. Change and problem solving is thus an important part of my experiences. And change is a certainty in any organization that wants to be successful.   During my career, I have worked in the operational (Customer Service Centre), supporting (Training and Development for the Customer Service Centre) and quality assurance (Information Technology) sides of organizations. With this all-round foundation as background, business analysis would be a natural progression (from currently Test Analyst) in my career. I have a passion for problem solving and think I have the characteristics and experience that will make a very good business analyst.  My strengths include having an eye for detail and persisting till a reliable solution is implemented.

 For more information, contact us on bursary@southafrica.iiba.org