Professor Bathe has maintained strong ties with the University of Cape Town since graduating in 1967 as the Gold Medallist in Civil Engineering. He has sponsored the Klaus-Jürgen Bathe undergraduate scholarships in the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment for over 20 years. These are awarded to students in the final two years of study who show evidence of high intellectual power and commitment to achieving excellence in engineering. Six awards of R35 000 are awarded annually.

On his visits to South Africa, Professor Bathe was concerned about the problems facing South Africa and the continent. He believed every country needs good leadership in key spheres of human activity to ensure a decent standard of living for all its citizens. As a continent, Africa is blessed with abundant natural resources. However, to realise its full potential, the continent needs a critical mass of moral leaders committed to properly managing its wealth of resources, eradicating poverty and unemployment, and improving health and educational facilities for all.

Thus, his idea of a leadership programme at the University of Cape Town was born. In early 2014, he made a generous donation to establish the Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Programme. The programme's primary goal was to produce graduates with outstanding leadership qualities and a strong sense of social justice who would play significant roles in business, government, industry, and civil society in South Africa. Registered students from across all six faculties could apply for the scholarship. Over 91 scholarships have been awarded since the start of the programme, and four fellowships. 

The programme ethos espoused in its selection of KJB scholars was particularly focused on young future leaders who hold leadership values that are hard to find today: dedication, altruism, humbleness, justice, and passion for helping others (a sense of community).

There are many leadership programmes in South Africa. The programme was different in that it specifically aimed to find, educate, and nurture talented undergraduate students towards becoming leaders who can tackle issues at the national level and uplift their countries for the betterment of all. In addition to the regular courses of their degree programmes, Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership scholars took additional courses intended to develop leadership qualities. 

The alumni from the programme have built a vibrant community of young leaders who continue to strive to improve the lives of many in South Africa. From pioneering startups and global climate change initiatives to prestigious academic pursuits and leadership roles across various sectors, their successes are a testament to the impact of the Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship Programme. 

Due to rising administrative costs, the Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Programme has changed to the Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarships, which the UCT Funding Office administers. There is no longer a programme attached to the scholarship. Students from across all six faculties can apply for the scholarship. To be eligible, students must be South African citizens in their last two years of study.  They must show evidence of a strong academic record and demonstrated leadership skills and experience in extracurricular activities, community service or other areas. They should be committed to becoming future leaders across all areas of South African life.