Steinmüller Africa (SMA) has collaborated with Stellenbosch University in a socio-economic development programme to support five secondary schools in Mpumalanga since 2021.
Acting through its Technology Research Activity Centre (TRAC), the university has developed the programme to empower Grade 12 learners by enhancing their ability to master Physical Science and Mathematics, two subjects that are a gateway to a wide variety of tertiary studies and related bursaries.
The SMA’s focus, which also has a broader aim to promote the development of human capital and capacity in South Africa, is two-fold — to support secondary schooling systems and offer opportunities and bursaries for various apprenticeships (Mechanical Fitting, Rigging, Welding and Boilermaking), Mechanical Engineering degrees and National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) courses.
The partnership ensures Grade 12 learners receive extra afternoon classes in the two subjects to improve their academic understanding and, ultimately, performance in the matric exams. To this end facilitators in Physical Science and Mathematics are appointed. In this joint academic and business venture, SMA and TRAC seek to enable and inspire learners to take ownership and ensure a successful future through assisting them in entering appropriate, fully funded higher-education courses aligned with their academic potential and interests.
“TRAC believes education is a fundamental tool for social and economic transformation as South Africa’s growth relies heavily on skills in the area of Mathematics,” says Debbey Olivier, Director of TRAC South Africa in Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Engineering. “However, the pass rate in this subject remains a matter of grave concern. Through our collaboration with SMA we aim not only to improve the quality of Mathematics education in the schools where we intervene but, ensure our learners’ lives are indeed changed. We want to help build a better future for all, by opening up opportunities to the young people of this province and this country.
“TRAC is indeed instrumental in redressing inequalities of the past by offering opportunities to the most disadvantaged communities in South Africa and, thus, changing lives. We believe in a powerful statement by our late former President, Nelson Mandela, that ‘Education is the most powerful tool one can use to change the world.’ And hence, our bold vision statement ‘Eradicating Poverty’. Thank you, SMA, for devising an instrument to realise our dream of a South Africa where poverty no longer exists. Together, we are making dreams realities.”
“We are very excited and proud to contribute to the education and empowerment of local potential, which opens the doors of opportunity to learners from local communities in our area of operations,” said Karin Kaempffer, Executive General Manager: Human Capital Management at Steinmüller Africa. “This initiative is proving successful to our talent strategy, by focusing on secondary education and developing academic competence in these fundamental subjects needed for technical tertiary studies and apprenticeships.”
“We are in our second year of partnering with the university and our selection results and recruitment efforts are already bearing fruit,” said Leon Botha, Talent and OD Manager at SMA. “SMA would like to invite other potential industry partners to collaborate with us in this educational support project. Our focus on foundational technical competence is needed in combating skills shortages for our industry.”
