For two decades, the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology has been a beacon of hope, transforming the educational landscape for township and rural pupils across South Africa.

The non-profit organisation celebrated its 20th anniversary on Wednesday in Sandton to not only celebrate its existence but also two decades of consistently producing distinctions and Bachelor passes in crucial Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, directly addressing the critical shortage of qualified black professionals in these fields.

Before Kutlwanong’s intervention, many of these communities faced alarming pass rates, often hovering below 50% in Maths and Science.

This grim reality was largely attributed to a scarcity of qualified or under-qualified teachers, coupled with a severe lack of essential teaching aids, science kits, and laboratories.

These systemic deficiencies often forced pupils to abandon their academic pursuits or settle for career paths that didn’t align with their aspirations, further entrenching cycles of poverty.

Kutlwanong Centre has successfully reversed this trend of underperformance. Starting with a modest cohort of 140 Grade 10, 11, and 12 pupils in 2005 at Makhoarane Primary School in Dobsonville, Soweto, the centre’s impact has been profound.

By 2018, that inaugural group yielded remarkable results, including 22 Cs, 34 Bs, 84 distinctions, and 10 students achieving a perfect 100% in mathematics.

To date, the centre boasts an impressive total of 13,522 distinctions and has expanded its reach nationally, operating in all provinces except the North West and Northern Cape, demonstrating a sustained commitment to nurturing a pipeline of talented black professionals ready to contribute to critical sectors.

One of the centre’s founding members and CEO, Tumelo Mabitsela, said reaching this 20-year milestone is a great achievement and a time for celebration.

Mabitsela said this is not a celebration for the organisation; it is about the pupils. “The children who have come and committed themselves to improve their marks and access a different future.”

He said this is also a celebration for the teachers and centre managers, who have committed themselves to changing lives.

“They make many personal sacrifices and help our learners to achieve extraordinary results,” said Mabitsela.

Mabitsela attributes the success of the centre to the teachers, centre managers, and the curriculum.

“We take the time to ensure that our students truly grasp the content, going to great lengths with lesson plans and ensuring every teacher is well equipped to teach the content so students understand it and excel,” said Mabitsela.

He also highlighted the centre’s commitment to ensuring students grasp the fundamental principles of Mathematics and Physical Science.

This foundational understanding is crucial, he explained, as it allows them to progressively build upon this knowledge.

“We have constantly measured our results, ensuring that every year we improve – not only for us but for the learners too,” he said.

Mabitsela highlighted that the centre constantly looks for ways to improve for pupils’ benefit.

“We have a dedicated curriculum team that provides teacher development programmes to assist teachers, to support them, and to ensure they are equipped to teach that content of the curriculum adequately,” he stated.

Mabitsela said he wishes that every high school had a Kutlwanong Centre in it.

He said there are many challenges that schools face, from access to quality teachers to resources and support for teachers with the curriculum.

“Our programme has had 20 years of success in what we do. We have accelerated the quality and quantity of Mathematics and Physical Science marks for high school Grade 10 – 12 pupils across the districts we work in,” he said.

Mabitsela said their pupils are routinely top performers in their province and receive awards from their provincial Department of Education and from the National Department of Education.

“Our programme has contributed to the pass rate and to the distinctions in Mathematics and Physical Science at a district, provincial, and national level. These results speak for themselves,” he said.

Alumni Lindiwe Zondo, a qualified mining engineer at Goldfields, praised the programme for teaching more than just Maths and Science.

She highlighted its focus on discipline and professional conduct, noting that it imparts a wide range of essential skills.

“It is an environment of love, for children who are really trying hard to get an education. Even after you leave high school, you still feel part of that family; the teachers care so much,” said Zondo.

Zondo recalled how Mr. Tshipapa, a teacher, would provide her with taxi fare for weekend classes as she struggled with the cost.

“That’s what family does. They just step in and make a difference.”

Zondo went on to achieve 100% for mathematics and 100% for physical science in her matric exams.

“Sometimes people say, ‘I am not anywhere in life because I was poor.’ But I say, ‘because of Kutlwanong, I am where I am today, in spite of being poor,’” said Zondo.

Growing up in the township of Khayelitsha in the Western Cape, Dr. Luxolo Mdolo, an alumnus of the Kutlwanong programme and now a medical doctor, stated that he might not have made it out of the township if it were not for Kutlwanong.

He said the teachers believed in him before he believed in himself.

“The township is not a kind place, especially to the young mind. It’s a place that can quickly demotivate you,” he said.

Mdolo regularly visits his former high school to deliver career talks, discuss university and bursary applications, and provide advice to Grade 12 students on completing these forms.

Not only did he push himself in Grade 12, but he also wanted his entire class to succeed. “I started teaching other students what I learned at the Kutlwanong programme.”

Mdolo also mentors other aspiring medical students from the same township.

“One of them is Inga Mhlauli, and he is also studying at UCT. I kept telling him, if I can do it, then for you this is possible too,” he said.

Have thoughts on this topic or other subjects you’d like us to explore? Want to share your experiences? Reach out to me at karen.singh@inl.co.za – I’d love to hear from you!

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