The Mdantsane Promaths Centre, in partnership with Datatec Foundation, honoured pupils and past pupils in an award ceremony held at The Venue in Hemingways Mall on Tuesday.
The centre aims to boost pupils’ performance in mathematics and physical science, and is based in township and rural schools.
Datatec is the financial muscle behind non-profit Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology, which runs the Mdantsane Promaths Centre.
Datatec Foundation chairperson Maya Makanjee said the dedication of the pupils is reflected in their results.
“We still have a long road ahead to achieve the marks required in the maths and science sector, and this investment we’ve made in education is unparalleled,” Makanjee said.
Khanyisa Dyonashe’s 89% overall average made her the top performer at put her number one in the centre, with 95% for maths and 89% for physical science.
Currently a first-year actuarial science degree student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), she says she is totally overwhelmed by her results.
“I’m happy that my hard work paid off. It’s hectic at varsity but luckily there’s a Promaths alumni there to support us,” she Dyonashe said.
Groups of students who have attended Promaths centres, are Chapters are also based at 11 eleven universities throughout SA to support first-year newly enrolled students through their journey.
Doing his first year BSc in mechanical and mechatronic engineering at UCT, Someleze Mjekula achieved an incredible 100% pass in physical science along with three distinctions.
“I wanted to get more distinctions, but I’m happy with my overall result of an 82% average,” Mjekula said.
Also receiving an award as a top performer at the centre, is Mbasa Mguguma who had an average of 97% in maths, as well getting six distinctions.
Kutlwanong Centre CEO Tumelo Mabitsela said they had started the centre in 2005 with 105 students.
The number has now grown to between 6,000 and 8,000 pupils in all provinces except the Northern Cape.
“These pupils have been dedicated to improving their marks since grade 10 until matric, with extra classes ranging from Friday to Sunday.
“This all wouldn’t have been possible without the financial backing from Datatec,” Mabitsela said.
Out of the 90 matric pupils in 2018, 71 received bachelor passes, 16 received diploma passes and three received a higher certificate.
