Engen recently partnered with Siyanda Bakgatla Platinum Mines (SBPM) to help 220 matric leaners in the North West province prepare for their upcoming preliminary and final exams.
The Grade 12 learners, 200 of whom reside in the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela Tribal Authority villages of the Moses Kotane Local Municipality and 20 from the Northam area, attended an intensive five-day study camp.
This ‘Boot Camp’ was held at Rustenburg Kloof with experienced teachers on hand to offer tutoring and learner support for 160 leaners in the science stream (covering mathematics, physical science and life sciences) as well as 60 learners in the commerce stream (covering accounting, economics, and business studies).
All 220 learners received free transport and accommodation as well as three meals a day.
Over 800 study guides were also distributed, to provide leaners with relevant content, concepts, and examples of exam questions, along with tips and study method suggestions.
In collaboration with the District Department of Education, emergency backup services were provided by the Rustenburg Local Municipality.
Sefako Makgatho University provided learners with career advice.
As a company, Engen champions education as a central pillar of its social investment.
In 2022, Engen invested R14.7million in Learnerships and Bursaries, along with a further R33 million in other social causes, including its flagship Engen Maths and Science School (EMSS) programme.
“At Engen, we want to empower learners to reach their full potential and prepare them for the modern world,” comments Engen’s Head of Transformation and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr James Nyawera.
“This is why we are extremely excited to partner with Siyanda Bakgatla Platinum Mines to play a small role in helping mould our future generations.”
Engen’s long running EMSS programme provides extra tuition in mathematics and science – “gateway” subjects which are considered critical in addressing South Africa’s technical and engineering skills shortage as well as spurring economic growth and development.
Adds Nyawera: “Kicking off over 35 years ago, EMSS is central to Engen’s efforts to contribute to the growth and transformation of our country.
“Through the programme, supplementary tuition is provided to approximately 1 800 under-privileged Grade 10-12 learners across South Africa every year.”
Like Engen, Siyanda Bakgatla Platinum Mine is also committed to social upliftment through education and skills development in the communities in which their operations are located.
Ten Engen Maths and Science Schools are spread across South Africa, with two in Cape Town (hosted by Belgravia and Manzomthombo High Schools), Port Elizabeth, East London, Cala and Johannesburg, while in KwaZulu-Natal classes sit at four locations (Fairvale High School, Ganges High School, Hillview High School and Umlazi Commercial High School).
