A bursary for talented and needy students of digital media studies has been introduced by Tinderbox, a division of the JSE-listed Prism Holdings at Johannesburg-based Vega The Brand Communications School.

"The bursary will be awarded annually to a final year student who exhibits incredible talent in the field of digital media that covers website construction, interactive multimedia, sound editing and motion graphics and 2D animation - and who comes from a disadvantaged background," says Gillian Ilic, Corporate Communications Navigator at Vega The Brand Communications School.

While the Prism group is focused on electronic payments, its creative arm Tinderbox - is an innovator in the new media space with extensive interactive branding strategy, creative and usability design skills. In addition to Tinderbox's financial contribution, the company is also involved in lecturing, guiding and placing students from the Vega digital media course.

"This synergy with Tinderbox benefits students by giving them exposure to industry standards and expectations. They are able to establish relationships with industry players long before they move into the industry, and are given an opportunity to give of their best and be acknowledged for doing so," says Ilic.

"Tinderbox recognises the rising costs involved in tertiary education in South Africa. This bursary is our contribution to the growing need for well qualified candidates in the technology field, and with it we hope to help students in need, who would otherwise not be able to complete their studies," says David Blyth, MD of Tinderbox and its holding company Prism Transactive.

"Since its inception in 1999, Vega The Brand Communications School has rapidly gained a reputation for its industry-based approach to teaching and the high calibre of graduates it has produced. Our contribution to the digital media course, will help the students to establish themselves in lasting careers after graduation."

Elmir Arnautovic is the first student to benefit from the Tinderbox bursary, with a portion of his fees covered by the award of a R7000 bursary. The balance of the R22 000 grant has been allocated to the Student Trust Fund and will be awarded to a deserving disadvantaged student within the next two months. Following these initial awards, a bursary will be awarded annually to cover a full year's tuition.

Prism Transactive

(011) 467 0100

www.tinderbox.co.za