By Levy Masiteng
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Barloworld have opened a new science centre at Hanyani Secondary School in Limpopo, saying it will expand access to practical STEM education for learners in the rural Tshipise area.
The centre, officially opened on Monday, is equipped with microscopes, 3D printing technology and digital learning resources and is aimed at giving learners practical experience in science, engineering and technology.
UJ said the facility formed part of its Societal Impact project, which has brought infrastructure and education initiatives to communities in the area since 2014.
UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi said the project demonstrated what could be achieved through partnerships between universities, businesses and communities.
“Local talent deserves global opportunity,” Mpedi said.
“Science is a mindset, it is the courage to ask why, the curiosity to ask how and the determination to ask what if.”
UJ said the centre was intended to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical science, allowing learners to experiment and become familiar with equipment they may use in further study and technical careers.
Grade 11 learners were given an opportunity to explore the centre during the opening, with students conducting practical activities using some of the new equipment.
The facility builds on UJ’s work at Hanyani, where the university has previously installed solar panels and established the Tshumisano Learning Centre, which is equipped with computers, books and other learning materials.
The wider project, launched in the area in 2014, spans communities including Gwakwani, Matatani and Mbodi and has involved interventions in energy, water, connectivity, education, food security and healthcare.
Hanyani Secondary has recorded a dramatic improvement in its matric results. According to the Department of Basic Education School performance report for the 2025 matric exams, the pass rate was 57.4% in 2023 to 92.1% in 2024 and 94.9% in 2025.
Barloworld Divisional Chief Executive Officer Andronicca Masemola said its investment was intended to extend beyond conventional corporate social responsibility.
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“Investing in this state-of-the-art science facility is far more than a Corporate Social Investment project for us; it is a deliberate, long-term commitment to South African technical innovation and industrial capability,” Masemola said.
“At Barloworld, we firmly believe that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) form the essential bedrock of sustainable economic development.”
She said advances in areas such as precision engineering, 3D rapid prototyping, digital diagnostics and material science meant learners needed greater exposure to modern technology.
“By equipping this facility with microscopes, 3D printing technology, and digital learning resources, we are closing the gap between classroom theory and real-world application for high school learners in remote communities who might otherwise lack access to modern equipment.”
