By Johnathan Paoli
In a step to uplift STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in township schools, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has officially launched the KwaNobuhle Maths and Science Centre.
Speaking at the launch, president and CEO of Kutlwanong, Tumelo Mabitsela, described the initiative as a “transformational opportunity” for young people in the area.
“Through our partnership with Volkswagen Group Africa, our learners are now afforded a fantastic opportunity of excelling in gateway subjects, namely mathematics and physical sciences. We will see engineers, scientists and innovators emerge from KwaNobuhle because of this investment,” Mabitsela said.
Situated at Solomon Mahlangu Secondary School in Kariega, the Centre is part of a four-year, R25-million partnership with education non-profit Kutlwanong, and is supported by Jendamark’s Odin Education platform.
The initiative targets Grade 10–12 learners from nine secondary schools in KwaNobuhle, providing them with additional tuition in mathematics and physical sciences through Kutlwanong’s renowned ProMaths programme.
Known for its track record in improving maths and science outcomes in underserved communities, ProMaths currently operates in 19 centres across South Africa.
The centre’s first cohort of 200 Grade 10 learners will begin classes in 2025 and will continue to receive tuition through to matric in 2027.
A second cohort of 200 will begin in 2026 and continue through to 2028.
Learners will be supported by a team of 14 specialist educators, with seven for mathematics and seven for physical sciences.
In addition to in-person teaching, learners will benefit from digital support.
Education technology company Jendamark will provide Omang tablets through its Odin Education platform, enabling students to access learning materials and resources both at school and at home.
VWGA director for corporate and government Affairs Nonkqubela Maliza said that while the group believed in the potential of South Africa’s youth, it required nurturing.
“This centre is an investment in futures. Futures filled with promise, progress and purpose. We are proud to support learners on their journey to becoming the engineers, doctors and scientists of tomorrow,” Maliza said.
Solomon Mahlangu Secondary School was chosen as the home of the centre due to its strong leadership and strategic location.
However, its benefits will extend to learners from eight other schools in the area: Marymount Convent High School, Molly Blackburn Secondary School, Nkululeko Public Secondary School, Phaphani Secondary School, Thanduxolo Comprehensive Secondary School, Tinarha Secondary School, Uitenhage High School and VM Kwinana Senior Secondary School.
Maliza said the centre aligned with VWGA’s broader commitment to community development in the Eastern Cape, where the company’s headquarters were located.
Over the years, VWGA has invested in various educational and youth empowerment initiatives in Kariega, making the region a focal point of its social impact work.
According to Maliza, the focus on STEM subjects was not only about improving exam results, but about broadening career horizons and building a future workforce ready to contribute to the country’s innovation economy.
Kutlwanong’s ProMaths programme has been lauded nationally for its ability to raise pass rates and distinction numbers in maths and science, especially in under-resourced schools.
The programme’s success lies in its intensive curriculum support, expert teaching and continuous mentorship, giving learners a fair chance at pursuing tertiary studies in critical fields.
Mabitsela noted that this partnership validated the dreams of the community for years to come.
“Through ProMaths, we are unlocking doors that were once shut, and we’re saying to these learners: your future is worth investing in,” he said.
Mabitsela said the centre represented a powerful collaboration between the private sector, non-profit organisations and public education; one that may serve as a model for future education initiatives in South Africa.
INSIDE EDUCATION
