Several KZN musicians are among the winners for the 2001 SAMRO Southern African Music Study Awards. The total value of the awards is in the region of R620,000.

These bursaries, which are awarded annually, currently constitute one of the most substantial groups of music study awards available in Southern Africa. They are for full-time tertiary music study at any statutory educational institution in South Afirca, Botswana, Lesotho or Swaziland, and are awarded on a balance of criteria that focus primarily on musical merit and financial need.

Among the bursary winners are Marisa M Laidlaw from Kloof (University of Stellenbosch) as well as University of Natal students: Ross L Butcher (Glenwood); Sibusiso G Mkhize (Shakaskraal); Charlene May (Yellowood Park); Nthoamehla E Phooko (Matatiele); Cindy C Smythe (Empangeni); Patrick T Khalala (Ntokozweni); S’khumbuzo Khumalo (Umlazi); Shepherd Mhlongo (Umhlanga Rocks); Nkosinathi Ntshangase (KwaMashu); Kgosietsile Setlotlo (Vryburg); Andile W Khumalo (Umlazi), Roland H Moses (Umbilo), Natalie Rungan (Montclair) and Mkhosazana P Humbane (Umlazi).

Technikon Natal students include Nomagugu Cebekhulu (Bishopsgate); Cynthia Z Masimula (Clermont); Admiral S Mavuso (KwaMashu), Nina P Mkhize (Umlazi), Duane Nichols (Durban) and Sisa M Sopazi (Komani). University of Zululand students are Derrick M Mkhwanazi (Mtubatuba) and Vuyo Njongwe (Ulundi).

Other bursary winners include Edlyn Govindasamy (Verulam) from the University of Witwatersrand; Kirsten O Sayers (Pietermaritzburg) from the University of Pretoria); Charlene J Murugen (Phoenix) from the University of South Africa, and Sandile P V Cele (KwaDlangezwa) from Potchefstroom University.