EAST LONDON- The Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of empowering learners in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education with a prestigious awards ceremony at Hemingways Hotel in East London.
The event was held on the 26th of July 2025, with a joint effort with Datatec Education and Technology Foundation to recognise outstanding learners performance in Mathematics and Physical Science in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC)examinations.
Chief Director for curriculum and management at Eastern Cape Department of Education Chulekazaki Xundu-Bula had this to say, “We are happy that the Kutlwanong centre really helps our children to get good marks it’s beautiful thing and we want to uplift our educational level and I really encourage grade 9s to choose Maths and Physical Sciences in grade 10”.
Mdantsane’s Promaths Centre funded by Datatec for over 14 years is part of a national network that has consistently contributed to raising the bar in Maths and Physics education, two subjects long identified by South Africa’s National Development Plan as vital to economic growth and development.
Furthermore Chairperson of the Datatec Board and the Datatec Educational Technology Foundation Maya Makanjee said, “Supporting programmes like Kutlwanong Promaths is not charity it’s an investment in our nation’s future. These learners represent South Africa’s next generation of problem solvers, innovators and leaders. As the world races ahead in science and technology, we cannot afford to leave our young people behind.”
The ceremony highlighted the success of the Mdantsane Promaths Centre, which contributed 9.86% of all national Maths distinctions and 11.3% of national Physical Science distinctions in the 2024 NSC examinations.
A total of 52 distinctions were achieved in Maths and Physical Science, with 19 pupils achieving distinctions in both subjects.
In addition Chief Executive Officer(CEO) at Kutlwanong Tumelo Mabitsela added that, “Twenty years ago, we started with a mission to change the narrative around township learners and Maths and Physical Science. Today the numbers and stories speak for themselves from Grade 10 to Grade 12 our learners are proving that potential when nurtured becomes performance.”
A proud parent Nontathu Mjikeliso who’s grandchild was part of Kutlwanong said, “I am very proud of my son I am glad he got this opportunity he worked so hard to get to University of Cape Town”.
Furthermore one of the learners who used to be part of the center Siphosethu Benya (22)who is a Witwatersrand (Wits) Alumnia who did Bachelor Sciences in Biologocal Sciences and Honours in Clinical Microbiology and Biotechnology currently working as a Microbiologist one of the South African leading motivated students about their upcoming trials she said, “I was not a clever person but my dedication and hard work put me where I am today, you can do it also.”
Topping the list of outstanding performers was Khuseleka Nanto who matriculated in 2024 at Masixole High School in Mdantsane scored 97% in Maths, 93% in Physical Science, achieved six distinctions who is now doing Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) in the university of Pretoria.
“I’m so proud of myself for being a top achiever and I encourage those who are still in matric that it’s not late they can still make it to the top attend your camps and go to school everyday, don’t forget to study your books,” Nanto.
The Kutlwanong center’s dedication to helping learners achieve good marks is a great thing for us as black people, putting us on the map and improving quality of Maths and Science in our province.
Photographs: supplied
Emihle Dokolwana
28 July 2025
