THE MACMILLAN FOUNDATION
The Macmillan foundation is a registered NPC, established for training and empowerment. Qualifying students can apply for bursaries in support of the completion of their post-graduate degree in Architecture. The NPC is focused on investing time, sharing knowledge and providing a support framework, for our future critical thinkers and designers!
2024 BURSARY
Application Closing Date: 31 October 2024
Award Date: 29 November 2024
Bursary Application Forms can be downloaded form the links below in either .pdf or Microsoft Word format:
CONTACT US
admin@macmillanfoundation.co.za
+27 (0)12 665 0937
CONTACT US
“As an Architect you design for the present with an awareness of the past for a future which is essentially unknown”
MEET OUR DIRECTORS
PATRICK PHILLIP MANN
JANÉ BARNARD
KATLEHO SESEMANE
MACMILLAN HIGHLIGHTS
MEET katleho sesemane!
2019 MACMILLAN FOUNDATION BURSARY RECIPIENT
CONGRATULATIONS KATLEHO!
2019-06-14
We were ecstatic to hear about Katleho’s award of the TUT Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment 2019 Best Oral Presenter - Master’s Degree.
We are so proud and excited about her achievement and all the hard work she has been doing in pursuit of her degree.
Watch out world! This young professional is going places!
what katleho has been up to
Katleho Sesemane has successfully completed her Masters in Architecture at Tshwane University of Technology. She has been working full time at SNAPP Architects (Pty) Ltd since 2020 and have been invited to sit on the board of directors for MacMillan Foundation NPC.
She has achieved the Green Star New Buildings & Major Refurbishments Accredited Professional status. This amazing accomplishment is just one step on your journey, education is the key to success.
In 2022 Katleho Sesemane passed her Professional Practice Examination (PPE) and has registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) as a Professional Architect.
We cannot be more proud of this talented, driven and professional young woman!
MEET PURLL NAIDOO!
2020 MACMILLAN FOUNDATION BURSARY RECIPIENT
Talented is one of the many words that can be used to describe this multifaceted, ambitious student.
Purll Naidoo is the recipient of The Macmillan Foundation bursary for 2020.
Purll is a driven, forward thinking individual with a passion for institutional architecture and addressing socio-economic factors which influence the spatial consequences of architecture on the educational eco-system.
We are tremendously excited to see her Master’s thesis. She has come up with innovative ways of conducting research, by challenging conventional architectural approaches and focusing on people-centred design.
Please take a moment to participate in her online Design GameKit for research purposes at :
https://purllnaidoo.wixsite.com/designgamekit/about
CONGRATULATIONS PURLL!
Purll Naidoo successfully completed her Master of Architecture (Professional) at University of Pretoria. Cum Laude and Second Runner Up for the Corobrik Prize!
Her thesis is titled; “REDEFINING SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT SCHOOL TYPOLOGIES TO ENCOURAGE LIFELONG LEARNING POTENTIAL” and is an exploration of the tangible and intangible intersection between architecture and education and the evident ways in which the built environment affects learning potential.
Words cannot express how extremely proud of you we are, all your hard work, passion and dedication to your studies through the pandemic has paid off. This young lady is truly a force to be reckoned with and we look forward to her future contribution towards the Architectural Profession.
2023
Purll Naidoo passed her Professional Practice Examination (PPE) and we are immensley proud of her accomplishment!
words FROM PURLL NAIDOO
Actively working towards professional architectural registration, enjoying RSA's warm coastline and afternoon yoga sessions.
The MacMillan Foundation offers more than a financial contribution to furthering your studies, they are concerned with the holistic development of their recipients. Through personal experience, it has been refreshing to be involved in a team who are invested in growth and earnestly strive for it, through action.
update from PURLL NAIDOO 2024
Recently, I’ve been blending work and wanderlust! While working remotely for my company, I’ve been exploring new corners of Europe. My latest adventures took me gelato-seeking through Italy and road-tripping along Croatia’s stunning coastline. It’s been an incredible opportunity.
MEET SISONKE mgwebi!
2021 MACMILLAN FOUNDATION BURSARY RECIPIENT
CONGRATULATIONS sisonke!
Sisonke sucessfully completed her Masters of Architecture at University of Cape Town.
We would like to congratulate Sisonke Mgwebi on being awarded the Helen Gartner Travel prize, participated in Africa's first Solar Decathlon in 2019 and receiving the 2021 Mamokgethi Phakeng Scholarship and Prize awarded by the Vice Chancellor of University of Cape Town (UCT). The annual prize is awarded to the top South African women Master’s or PhD students.
We are very proud of this talented young lady and looking forward to your future contribution to the Architectural Profession.
Photo credit & full article: https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2021-06-09-vcs-scholarship-gives-deserving-recipients-wings-to-fly
words from SISONKE MGWEBI
Currently working at a management consulting firm. My Masters in Architecture guided me towards a profession that fulfills my passion for problem-solving, strategy, technology and business management.
My MacMillan experience was one of support, encouragement and improvement. The team was always willing to provide crits and receive updates about my dissertation. They always encouraged me to balance rest and work, which was the best approach to avoid burnout. Using this approach improved my productivity and efficiency, helping me develop my concept into a robust building that weaved farming into the city.
During the last week of my studies, I received a generous care package full of vegan food from the team who noticed I had been working in studio for too many hours. That is one of many amazing memories with the team and I will forever be grateful to be part of the MacMillan team.
I am now using the skills I learned throughout my studies to build my business acumen and use technology to solve problems in Africa and help the continent grow.
what SISONKE MGWEBI has been up to…
TV Interview | 2023 - Africa tech: mobile money, remittances & earned wage access
TV Interview | 2023 - Technology & Jobs in Africa
TV Interview | 2023 - Price, People and Power in Africa's Technology Market
TV Interview | 2023 - Leveraging the Rise in Digital Banking in Africa
update from sisonke mgwebi 2024
"Building a Digital Future: Sisonke's Next Chapter"
As my career develops I now apply the skills gained through my architectural studies and consulting experience to a new venture—helping architectural firms with digital marketing strategies. My goal is to assist firms in growing their businesses and positively influencing the architectural profession. The strategy I’m developing highlights how firms can support local communities, showcase projects, and underpin architects' vital role, from design to construction and occupancy. I aim to help firms across Africa use digital marketing to gain exposure, win projects and contribute meaningfully to society.
MEET raeesah jaffer!
2022 - 2023 MACMILLAN FOUNDATION BURSARY RECIPIENT
2023 - CONGRATULATIONS Raeesah!
Ms. Raeesah Jaffer graduated with her Honours Degree in Architecture from Wits University. We are extremely proud of all your hard work and creative flair. Always remember that every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing!!
2024 -CONGRATULATIONS Raeesah!
Ms. Raeesah Jaffer graduated with her Master of Architecture degree after a challenging year from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Hats off to you for achieving this milestone! You've made it to the end of this chapter; your hard work and dedication has finally borne fruit.
We are extremely proud of you and wish you all the best for the many, exciting adventures that lie ahead.
words from raeesah jaffer
It has been a very challenging year with many ups and downs but knowing that I am one step closer to becoming a professional architect makes it all worth it. I based my thesis on an informal settlement in Pretoria where I used mosque design to facilitate community development. This project lies close to my heart, because to me architecture is not only about designing good buildings, but architecture is meant to cure, uplift and bring people together.
Undertaking my studies would not have been possible with the infinite support from the MacMillan team. They take pride in providing support in all avenues needed to complete the degree. Whether that be providing crits during design development or simply sending messages of reassurance and motivation. The MacMillan team is a family that will forever be part of my story.
MEET Yajna Fakir!
2024 MACMILLAN FOUNDATION BURSARY RECIPIENT
We are excited to introduce Ms. Yajna Fakir to you as the MacMillan Foundation NPC Bursary winner of 2024. We are incredibly proud to support and witness her journey, knowing that her passion and determination will undoubtedly lead to remarkable achievements in architecture! Driven by a profound creativity and unwavering ambition, this young architectural student is steadfastly working toward her goal of completing a Master's in Architecture! #YouCanDoIT
2021/2022 - CONGRATULATIONS yAJNA!
Ms. Yajna Fakir completed her Bachelor of Architectural Studies at University of the Witwatersrand (WITS). During this time She received an invitation to be a part of Golden Key Honours Society which is the top 15% of academics.
words from Yajna fakir
Pursuing my Honours degree in architecture has been a journey full of challenges, but each step brings me closer to my Master's and becoming a professional architect, making it all worth it.
My favourite project so far has been my Honours Semester 1 Design Studio project. I reimagined the Kimberley Civic Centre as a hub for economic growth, focusing on less formal trade industries on a site with a rich, layered history. This project allowed me to dive deep into historical and cultural contexts, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The MacMillan Foundation and its team have provided far more than just financial assistance for my studies. Their support, kind words and genuine interest in my studies have made this journey much easier to navigate. I am forever grateful for the wonderful people and Foundation who have inspired me and other young individuals in the field.