South African financial services company , Liberty has long recognised the need to support Maths and Physical Science education in underprivileged communities in South Africa. For the last seven years, in partnership with the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology, Liberty invested in a Maths and Physical Science tuition programme in Umbumbulu in KwaZulu-Natal and Katlehong in Gauteng.
The programme provides extra classes in Mathematics, Physical Science and Accounting, for learners in grades 10 to 12, over weekends and school holidays.
Nomaxabiso Matjila, Lead Specialist Corporate Citizenship at Liberty says, “It’s encouraging to witness the excitement and hope for the future in the eyes of these young matriculants. Their significant achievement and exceptional results highlight the success of the programme. It is proof that with the right level of support, our young learners can achieve their dreams and aspirations.”
Mr Themba Moloi a representative from the Department of Basic Education said, “Success and survival of our schools depend on the funding that Liberty provides, as the grant by the Department is not sufficient.” He encouraged the learners to unleash the talent God has given them whilst they are alive and make sure they associate themselves with people that dream big.
The top three learners from the Katlehong centre:
- Mathapelo Morobi with 85% for Maths and 98% for Physical Science:
- Overall average of 91%with 7 distinctions
- Ntuthuko Sicina with 98% for Maths and 100% for Physical Science:
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- Overall average of 89% with 6 distinctions
- Carmelia Bie with 98% for Maths and 100% for Physical Science:
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- Overall average of 86% with 5 distinctions
The top four learners from the Umbumbulu centre:
- Xoliswa Sokhela with 91% for Maths and 97% for Physical Science: Overall average of 93%, with 7 distinctions
- Zabelo Khumalo with 89% for Maths and 95% for Physical Science: Overall average of 91%, with 7 distinctions
- Thabiso Xaba with 90% for Maths and 97% for Physical Science: Overall average of 91% with 8 distinctions
- Sibahle Kwela with 89% in Maths and 100% in Physical Science: Overall average of 90%, with 6 distinctions
Five of the top seven learners from Umumbulu and Katlehong from the class of 2019 were female learners, who achieved a total of 28 distinctions in Maths and 60 distinctions in Physical Science.
The overall top performer Xoliswa Sakhela said, “I am really excited for being recognised as the overall top performer. I would like to thank Liberty, Kutlwanong and everyone who has helped me to realise this goal. The programme not only given me an opportunity to excel but has taught me that umuntu ngumuntu, ngabantu.”
“These learners have taken full advantage of the educational support in the programme. They have sacrificed and worked hard throughout the year, producing exceptional results, and should be proud of their outstanding achievements,” says Matjila.
Matjila concludes, “The success of this programme is largely attributable to the commitment of the teachers who played a pivotal role in the education of these young learners. It is important that we work with these excellent educators to inspire, develop and educate the young people of South Africa”
