The euphoria over KwaZulu-Natal recording the second-highest matric pass rate in the country is felt as much by the organisations facilitating educational development as the learners themselves.
For those specialising in the provision of Mathematics and Physical Science advancement, the province’s 89.5% pass rate is especially welcome. South Africa has made no secret of its need for young people able to adapt and thrive in a world where innovation is the new currency.
Two KwaZulu-Natal-based organisations, both supported by the Datatec Educational and Technology Foundation, have significantly contributed to the recent success of learners and teachers.
The PROTEC Pietermaritzburg Academy, which provides disadvantaged children in Grades 9 to 12 with expert teaching and tuition to prepare them for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers, including lessons in the Sciences, English Literature, and core Mathematics, among other subjects, was highlighted as one of the province’s standout performers when the results were announced earlier this month.
The Academy's 2024 matric class of 28, drawn from 13 feeder schools within the Umgungundlovu District, achieved a 100% pass rate, with all but one learner qualifying for tertiary study. In addition, the Academy’s 2024 matric cohort netted 64 distinctions.
Learner Sanele Khumalo earned an impressive seven distinctions, while classmate Owethu Mkhize completed his secondary schooling with six. The young men will now study mechanical engineering and computer science at the university level.
PROTEC Pietermaritzburg Academy executive director Rosemary Smuts explains that various universities have targeted her matriculants, and she hopes bursary offers will follow.
PROTEC PMB Academy is greatly indebted to its well-qualified and highly experienced tutors who drive our intensive academic programmes within our Saturday and Vacation School programmes as well as our wonderful donors, without whom we could not function.
Thabile Mandane, Datatec’s Responsible Business Coordinator for People and Communities, says STEM-related careers are the primary force behind innovation and economic growth. KwaZulu-Natal's public school system serves the largest number of learners and educators, contributing to overall performance nationally.
The province’s excellent showing in the exams can also be attributed to a vast improvement in the standard of teaching STEM subjects. Organisations like the Vula Programme at Hilton College have played a significant role.
Established in 2001, the program uses Hilton College’s IT and teaching facilities to provide expert Mathematics, Science, and Technology tuition to teachers and learners from partner schools. Additional programmes include an annual career fair for matriculants, the Hilton College/Vula Teacher Intern Project, and a Leadership Forum for local school principals.
Of the 121 township and rural schools in the Umgungundlovu District, 71 have or previously had a Vula Mathematics Academy (VuMA)-trained educator teaching Mathematics. Together, these 121 schools in 2023 produced 54 A symbols, 76% of which were obtained by 71 schools where a VuMA-trained teacher was present.
The performance of teachers trained at VuMA in 2024 also clearly shows progress. For example, a teacher at DRC Senior Secondary School in Umzimkulu saw 66 of his 70 Mathematics pupils pass the subject. As a further example, at Umgungundlovu’s Umthoqotho High School, a teacher guided his class of 39 to a 100% pass rate in Physical Science.
Programme director Lloyd Smuts, says:
From a Vula perspective, the results are relevant as they continue to indicate the benefits of a teacher of working with the Vula Mathematics Project or the Vula Science Project,” says p.
Mandane says teacher and learner development is a critical investment area for the Datatec Foundation, especially in Mathematics and Science, where four out of five public school teachers lack content knowledge and the pedagogical skills to teach their subjects.
The Foundation’s drive for teacher development also seeks to address the findings of a 2022 report commissioned by the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Basic Education, which indicated that South Africa could face a potential shortfall of teachers by 2030.
The study assessed the demand for and supply of teachers in public service to inform teacher training policy better.
“It has been proven that the issue of poor school-leaver passes can be effectively addressed with public-private partnerships,” Mandane says.
She adds that to ensure South African youth have access to quality education, regardless of their background or economic status, the Datatec Foundation takes a future-led approach to funding educational organisations that empower and equip young people with the skills needed to participate more inclusively in the economy.
