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It's that time of year when our social media feeds overflow with schools proudly celebrating their matric results. We see stats depicting pass rates, university exemptions, distinctions, and where each of the top achievers placed relative to their peers.

For those who achieved it, it is a momentous milestone reached after years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. For the schools that produced the achievers, it is the ultimate feather in their caps. And the parents are slowly releasing a breath they have held in for 12 years or more. And rightfully so – it wasn't easy.

But what about everyone else? Some are also just relieved that it's over. Many matriculants did their best and are walking away very pleased with a perfectly respectable result despite the absence of fanfare. Others are experiencing disappointment, despair, and hopelessness, wondering what is next.

It's given me a lot of food for thought. Before I started my writing career, I had been teaching for nearly 20 years. I taught Grades 4 and 5 for most of those years, which is an interesting time in a child's academic life. When I see the matric results of children I taught years before, I realise that their time with me was just as instrumental in how they fared as their final years in high school. And so were their preschool days. It's all relative, but not in a way many would think.

The fanfare we see at the end of the journey has resulted in massive pressure and expectations being placed on children and schools before they even start grade one. And the pressure is always focused on academics.

In the beginning

One morning, during my commute, I saw a billboard advertising an 'academic preschool.' It's what got me tugging at this particular thread. What could they possibly mean by 'academic' when their pupils were aged between three and six? Of course, I'm well aware that the intention was to highlight their focus on early literacy and numeracy, and it's what their potential clientele want to hear. But it also drove home something that made me feel quite sad. It was when I realised that many people confuse academics and learning. They are very different, and when the latter is adequately nurtured, you are more likely to succeed in the former.

For the most part, the school system focuses on the end result. And that's because good results make the system look good. But what about the children? This is why those who work with children during their earlier years have such an important role. I've taught many 10-year-olds whose parents pulled their hair out with their child's poor work ethic. But I always knew when I could assure them their child had everything it took to thrive as they matured. And I was usually spot on. Because I knew the child loved learning, they found school mundane. Once they could focus on areas they loved, gained a bit of maturity, and realised they needed to consider where to next, it just kicked in.

But I also knew when it was coming from somewhere else. Sometimes anxiety was standing in the way. Sometimes they had an underlying learning disability. Sometimes they were working hard, doing well, and getting a consistent 73%, but their parents wouldn't accept less than 80. I've seen it all.

Then there were those who arrived in grade one, nailed every possible academic achievement all the way through, and needed a box to carry their trophies away from graduation. On the other hand,  some loved school, always did their very best, and enjoyed the social side – but they didn't necessarily achieve academically. Even if I consider my own schooling. I was one of those that hated every minute of it. I did what I had to do and got through, but it completely stifled me.

Fitting the box

I have been fortunate to take on a balanced perspective of the difference between academics and learning based on my experience. My son, who is almost 19, just didn't fit the academic box. He is what is known as twice-exceptional. This means he is intellectually gifted but also has a learning disability. His severe dyslexia prevented him from learning to read along with his peers when he started school. In fact, even today, he probably reads at a grade 2 level.

Unfortunately, our school systems don't see past the disability. When a 9-year-old passionately discusses their take on the spacetime continuum or how the perfect political system could be built by taking just the right elements of capitalism, socialism, communism, and democracy, people find it endearing. Still, he is not considered an academic if he can't complete his maths problems in his workbook.

And when a seven-year-old listens to audiobooks written for young adults with perfect comprehension and critical responses, it's considered 'smart.' But the academic awards go to the child who mastered their sight words and could read the grade level book aloud. It's a flawed system.

I taught at a gifted school for eight years. Every child I taught was formally identified as intellectually gifted by relevant professionals. But many of them would never have been identified as academics in a mainstream environment. Most of them had come from mainstream schools where they struggled to cope. But it's more because the focus on academics smothered their love of learning. If they find the content boring and not within their realm of interest, they will not care.

And before we start rolling our eyes and saying they need to live in the real world, remember that most of us have chosen a career based on what interests us. For example, you will seldom find a talented artist who chose a career as an accountant. By the same account, it's unlikely that you will see a gifted mathematician or scientist who spent 40 years running a catering business. But we need the artist and the caterer as much as we need the accountant and the maths boff.

And that's precisely where I am going with this. We absolutely need to recognise the outstanding achievements of our matrics who stood out. They worked hard, and it paid off. The world is their oyster, and they can march ahead without apology. Moreover, they were educated in a system that recognized their talents and could accommodate their learning styles.

But to the square pegs – those who needed a system that recognises other definitions of talent, ability, and aptitude. Your time is coming. You are more likely to get your turn to shine now that you have come through.

The 2023 SA matric class and higher education-graduates face a challenging job market and the reality of joining over 3.3 million past graduates struggling to find employment.

Amid soaring unemployment rates, which are one of the highest on the continent and globe, and facing economic challenges, the youth's confidence in our nation is plummeting. In the PPS 2022-23 Student Confidence Index, 90% of the students surveyed expressed their readiness to live and work overseas, with 92% citing a lack of local opportunities as the reason for leaving.

”As matriculants and students transition into the working world, they encounter difficulty finding employment, and are seeking innovative ways to earn an income. It’s imperative that these income opportunities are safe and vetted, with room for personal and long-term growth, much like the entrepreneurial opportunities provided by the Direct Selling Association of South Africa’s (DSA) member companies.” Says Rajesh Parshotam, chairperson of the DSA.

Young adults facing resource constraints, job application challenges, and skills mismatches, and overall lack of job opportunities can use direct selling as a means of earning money, while acquiring new skills and building financial independence.

Around a third of South Africa's direct selling industry is under the age of 35, demonstrating a trend that offers a path to financial independence for many young adults. Parshotam adds, “No formal education required, flexible working hours, low entry barriers, and minimal risk make direct selling an ideal solution to the country’s unemployment challenges and a means of transforming lives."

“Over 600k South Africans are using direct selling as a source of income, collectively earning R1.8 billion in 2022, making it a crucial economic lifeline for our country. Our member companies provide skills development, mentorship, training, and guidance to their direct sellers, enabling them to become successful entrepreneurs with sustainable businesses and financial independence," says Imtiaz Ebrahim, secretariat of the DSA.

“We’re excited about introducing matriculants and graduates to the opportunity of direct selling, owning a business, and achieving financial independence that allows for stability, financial well-being, and personal growth,” concludes Imtiaz Ebrahim, secretariat of DSA.

The dawn of South Africa’s democracy, thirty years ago, coincided with the birth of Afrika Tikkun, marking the beginning of a transformative journey in education. Over these three decades, remarkable strides have been made in various aspects of our developing nation. Yet, challenges persist, especially within the education sector, where issues of inequality continue to demand our attention.

As an organisation vested in improving the lives of young people in underserved communities, we believe in the power of collaborations and partnerships in enhancing the quality of education. Instead of focusing on what our country can do to improve education, the key lies in our collective efforts. Young and old individuals, corporate entities, civil society, schools, higher education institutions, and various stakeholders must unite to contribute to the elevation of educational standards.

Celebrating Excellence: Afrika Tikkun's Top Achiever's Award

As part of our commitment to acknowledging and celebrating excellence, for over six years we have hosted the annual Top Achiever's Award. This year, we proudly celebrate our Matric Class of 2023, achieving an overall pass rate of 94%, surpassing the national average by 11%, and a commendable 60% Bachelor’s admissions rate. This annual ceremony honours outstanding individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their education and personal growth. The award not only recognises academic achievements but also celebrates resilience, leadership, and a commitment to positive community impact. 

Investing in holistic development and education

Our holistic development model, the award-winning Cradle-to-Career model, equips our young people at every stage in their lives. Our Matriculants are no exception as they are further empowered through the concluding phase of the model, the Career Development and Placement programme. Young people in the programme who have shown exceptional academic prowess are awarded bursaries for their chosen areas of study. Through our rigorous selection process, we identify and honour those young scholars who not only meet the criteria set by our valued funders but also demonstrate an unwavering dedication to their educational journey. The Top Achiever's Award is a symbol of our belief in the transformative power of education and a means to encourage a culture of excellence among our beneficiaries. 

Looking to the Future: Afrika Tikkun's 30-Year Commitment

As we celebrate 30 years of transformative impact, we look to the future with a renewed commitment to our mission. The journey has been one of challenges, triumphs, and, above all, an unwavering belief that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future. The next chapter of our story is poised to continue the legacy of empowerment, with innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast dedication to creating a world where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

In conclusion, the transformation of our education system demands a unified effort. As we celebrate 30 years of our constitutional democracy and Afrika Tikkun's transformative impact on education, let's acknowledge the collective efforts that have shaped the lives of countless individuals and communities. Here's to the past, present, and the promising future that lies ahead.

For more information go to www.AfrikaTikkun.org.

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About Afrika Tikkun: Afrika Tikkun is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of disadvantaged South African children and youth through education, healthcare, and social services. With a strong focus on literacy and youth development, Afrika Tikkun empowers young people to reach their full potential and contribute positively to their communities.

6 KZN Matrics celebrated the end of their exams by doing the rigorous 120km hike along the Wild Coast, from Port St John’s to Port Edward.

Konstantino Giokos, Michael Farrell, Mitchell Hamilton and Sam Hodes completed their Matric at Treverton College whilst Dylan Jarrett finished his Matric at Waterfall College and Warren Rossouw at Scottburgh High.

Mitchell Hamilton (18) says the dream of doing this particular hike came about in May when he was at the Wild Coast on holiday. “I wanted to do something really epic and different straight after Matric and upon returning to boarding school I planned it with Sam, Konstantino and Michael. It was truly a life changing experience.”

Sam Hodes (18) says “The hike was incredible, such an adventure! The route was very technical and took many hours to plan with us having to study the tides in-depth. The river crossings were tricky owing to the currents, the tides as well as the sharks. We floated our backpacks in waterproof bags while we swam across.”

The adventurous six caught a local taxi to Port St John’s and after many delays they finally arrived at the first leg of their hike at midnight on Friday 24 November 2023.

They then proceeded with their expedition which consisted of crossing high mountain passes, hiking along untouched pristine beaches and having to cross 5 shark infested rivers before arriving at Port Edward a week later.

The boys experienced many adventures such as meeting villagers along the way and being invited into their homes to spend the night. This happened on more than one occasion.

Dylan Jarrett (18) says “We got lost many times but the local people we met along the way were amazing and were always ready to assist us. We took along a satellite navigation device, which assisted in helping us keep in contact with our families who were very concerned as there was little cell phone service along the route.” The device also had a SOS option should there have been any injuries or emergencies.

“The hike was an extraordinary adventure that really challenged me as a person both physically and mentally. I really didn't realise how remote we were going to be until day 2 where we met a guy who had never tasted biltong nor spoke any English which was a challenge to communicate with, to help show us which way we had to go. The hike took hours to plan, around studying for finals, but was well worth it.” says Michael Farrel (18). 

Konstantino Giokos (19) said that going to school at Treverton College really prepared them for the trip, as the school arranges lots of hiking, kayaking and other adventures. Giokos during his Matric year completed the Grand Traverse Drakensberg hike, a rigorous 250km hike along the Drakensberg Escarpment, in South Africa.

“The views and being without any signal and contact with the outside world made the experience both incredible and humbling.” says Warren Rossouw (18).

The boys completed the hike in good time and arrived back sunburnt and many kilograms slimmer from their rigorous hike, ready to take the world by storm after finishing their Matric exams.

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Congratulations to the Treverton College Matric class of 2023, who have achieved astounding results in the Matric Exams. They have achieved a 100% Pass, 86% Bachelor Degree Pass Rate, 76 Distinctions from 49 Students and two candidates in the Top 1% of the IEB; Kai Broom - Business Studies and Hailey Jelliman - Mathematical Literacy. The following subjects are above the National Average: Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Life Sciences, History, Business Studies, and Afrikaans First Additional Language.

• 7 Distinctions:  Kai Broom and Karijn Kooy
• 6 Distinctions:  Makena Ndambo, Georgina Thompson
• 5 Distinctions  Megan Fernihough,  Briony Fromwald,  Hailey Jelliman
• 4 Distinctions: Callum Kenyon-Slade  and Aphiwinhlanhla Mabaso
• 3 Distinctions: Caelyn Marx, Saskia Renzi, Adil Singh and Mbalentle Skwintshi

A remarkable achievement is not only the academic excellence that is proudly on display but also the same commitment that our students demonstrate in achieving outside the classroom. Kai Broom represented Treverton on the Matrics in Antarctica expedition in late 2022, followed by completing a 100km run in under 36 hours on the Drakensberg Escarpment in April this past year. 

Karijn Kooy's determination saw her complete the revered Drakensberg Grand Traverse with Georgina Thompson in April, a 250km hike along the Drakensberg Escarpment. Most of our Top Achievers held leadership positions within the school, being involved in peer growth and discipline.

These additional roles and responsibilities have not been taken from our students but have rather been influential in growing a peer discipline of balance.

Education truly is an adventure. 

For further information please visit www.treverton.co.za

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Following the recent announcement of the 2023 Matric results, Regent Business School extends heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the 2024 academic year to all learners. Navigating the path to higher education can be challenging and sometimes even overwhelming leaving aspiring students looking for a guiding light in choosing the best higher education fit. Regent Business School serves as a resource to support students in their pursuit of success within the dynamic field of business.

Navigating Post-Matric Challenges

Embarking on the journey beyond high school can be both exciting and challenging. Recognising the importance of selecting an accredited and affordable institution, Regent Business School aims to guide students and parents through this crucial decision-making process. The business school’s focus is on providing a transformative educational experience that aligns with career aspirations and equips graduates with practical, real-world skills.

Mehoob Vally, Sales and Marketing Director of Regent Business School, emphasises the institution’s commitment to nurturing future business leaders: “At Regent, our focus is on providing an educational environment that empowers students to navigate the complexities of the business landscape confidently. We are dedicated to fostering not only academic excellence but also the practical skills essential for success in the professional arena.”

Envisioning a Brighter Future

Regent Business School offers a unique educational journey where each course leads students towards becoming global business leaders. Graduates emerge as well-rounded professionals, well-prepared for the complexities of today’s business world. With over 25 years of experience, Regent Business School is not just an accredited institution but a trusted name in higher education, dedicated to delivering quality and excellence.

Bridging Education and Innovation with iLeadLAB

Regent Business School stands out with a diverse range of programs, including higher certificates, degrees, postgraduate qualifications, all the way through to a DBA. Central to their unique approach is the iLeadLABs, innovative hubs where students gain hands-on experience in digital literacy, 3D printing, robotics, and entrepreneurial development.

Vally emphasises, “Regent Business School places a strong emphasis on work-directed learning. We integrate practical work experiences into the curriculum, ensuring our graduates are not just academically prepared but are also equipped with real-world skills directly applicable in their future careers.”

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Regent Business School is more than an educational institution; it’s a launchpad for future business leaders. Explore their diverse programs, participate in their interactive open days every Saturday, and join a community that values innovation and leadership.

Regent Business School invites prospective students to join the upcoming Career Days in Johannesburg and Durban on Friday, 26 January 2024, and in Cape Town on Wednesday, 31 January 2024. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to explore career paths, meet industry experts, chat with consultants, and experience the iLeadLabs and state-of-the-art campuses nationwide.

Begin Your Journey with Regent. Step into a world where your educational journey leads to exceptional opportunities. Visit https://regent.ac.za/ for detailed program information or join us and RSVP here at our upcoming career days and open house events. Your path to a successful future starts here with Regent Business School.

This article in a Tweet:

Aspiring to thrive in the dynamic world of business? @REGENT_BSchoolis your gateway to excellence. Join us at our upcoming Career Days: Johannesburg & Durban: 26 Jan and Cape Town 31 Jan. Explore programs, meet industry experts, and experience our cutting-edge iLeadLabs! Regent Business School: Nurturing future leaders with 25+ years of excellence! Begin your journey to success. RSVP here: https://regent.ac.za/ #RegentBusinessSchool #FutureLeaders #CareerDays2024 #SuccessStartsHere ?

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Become future ready by joining one of accredited MBAs, postgraduate qualifications, degrees, diplomas, or higher certificates! All 2024 students will receive a free Management Development Programme valued at R7000 plus two short courses. T’s & C’s Apply. Regent Business School is a proud member of the Honoris United University network. You can find information about the innovative, relevant graduate and post graduate courses now available on our website, call +27 31 304 4626 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Get Social: Follow Regent Business School on Facebook @RegentBusinessSchool, Twitter @REGENT_BSchool Instagram regentbusinessschool, LinkedIn, Tiktok, or Youtube.

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ABOUT REGENT BUSINESS SCHOOL:

REGENT is a Private Higher Education Institution with their headquarters located in the heart of the central business district and the industrial hub of Durban, with learning centres located in Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, East London and Eswatini (in Manzini and Mbabane).

RBS is deeply embedded as a premier private higher education provider in Africa which strives to deliver quality academic programmes that meet recognised academic standards to its students. It does this through ensuring that all REGENT’s programmes are developed internally by its professional team, in consultation with experts from business, and leading academics. The content of programmes is kept relevant and annually reviewed to ensure currency with South African law and International trends.

RBS has developed a series of programmes that are designed to provide individuals and organiSouth Africa tions with the management competencies and critical skills necesSouth Africa ry to build and sustain competitive advantages in a rapidly changing and complex business environment.

RBS’s expertise has evolved through continuous research and development undertaken in delivering a range of local and international business and management education programmes. REGENT is a proud member of the Honoris United University network.

Vision

To be a leading provider of entrepreneurial, business and management education and to develop business leaders through research and innovation.

Mission

To provide accessible, affordable, and quality entrepreneurial, business and management education, responsive to the critical needs of South Africa and the African continent within the context of a dynamic global environment.

About Honoris United Universities

Honoris United Universities is the first and largest pan-African private higher education network committed to transforming lives through relevant education for lifetime success. Collaborative intelligence, cultural agility and mobile mind-sets are at the heart of the Honoris approach to educate the next generation of leaders and professionals able to impact regionally in a globalized world. Honoris combines the expertise of its member institutions to develop world-class African human talent that is competitive in today’s fast-paced, demanding and increasingly digitized labour and start-up markets.

Honoris comprises a community of 71,000 students on 70 campuses, learning centres and via on-line, in 10 African countries and 32 cities. The network is formed of 15 institutions: multidisciplinary universities, specialized schools, technical and vocational institutes, contact, distance, and online institutions. Students have an opportunity to experience exclusive partnerships and exchange programmes in more than 190 universities across Europe, the United States and Asia. Over 420 degrees are offered in Medicine, Health Sciences, Engineering, IT, Business, Law, Architecture, Creative Arts, Fashion and Design, Media, Political Science and Education.

Honoris United Universities. Education for Impact. www.honoris.net

The Matric Class of 2023 achieved a pass rate of 82,9%, surpassing the 80,1% recorded the year before with an improvement of 2.8 percentage points.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshkega pointed out that the record-high pass rate, in both number and percentage, was the highest attained in the entire history of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

Matching the national achievement were two of the Adopt-a-School Foundation’s adopted schools which further produced two learners who received awards at the Free State Matric Results ‘Well Done Function’. 

Adopted schools, Ngwathe Secondary School and Kgabereng Secondary School – both from Fezile Dabi District in the northern Free State – were funded by The Foundation’s donor, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The schools were recognised for achieving in the 90% to 100% category, with Kgabareng Secondary School achieving 100% and Ngwathe, 97.3.

Both school principals were delighted with their schools’ success, saying they were grateful to the IDC and the Adopt-a-School Foundation’s Whole School Development (WSD) model.

But the success most celebrated was that of Tshwarelo Mrwebi, 18, and Mohau Matsa, 20 – both from Kgabareng Secondary School – whose results included six distinctions.

Tshawerelo said: “I’m very excited that I made it to the top 100 and that finally my hard work paid off. It was not an easy year, with loadshedding and attending weekend classes. In the end, I can’t wait to join the University of Stellenbosch to study Biological Sciences.”

Mohau said: “I am super delighted that I will be able to pursue my dream of becoming an electrical engineer. I am truly looking forward to being a student at University of Cape Town.”

This remarkable achievement was applauded by the AASF with its Chief Executive Officer Steven Lebere saying they were particularly proud of the quality of results produced by the Foundation’s schools.

“The Foundation is delighted that our adopted schools mirrored the national achievement. It is our goal to turn schools into environments conducive to teaching and learning through the implementation of a four-pillared WSD Model. The model focuses on school leadership, curriculum, infrastructure and social welfare.” 

It was evident, he said, that WSD was working, citing the Free State adopted schools that had performed so well in 2023.

Lebere paid tribute to the donors who support the implementation of WSD to the benefit of learners and broader school communities. 

“The Foundation relies purely on sponsors. We are grateful that our donors such as the IDC who continue to support education. We call on others to become a part of matric results success in the future by supporting Adopt-a-School,” he said. 

According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), of the 715,719 learners enrolled in the NSC, 691,160 candidates sat for the exams and a total of 572,983 passed. 

Since 2002, Adopt-a-School Foundation and its partners have invested over R 1,2billion in over a million learners across 643 primary and high schools it supports nationally. 

There were no tears as confident five and six-year-olds kicked off Day One of Grade R in what will be their 12-year journey through school.

There to wish them well were members of the Adopt-a-School Foundation (AAS), a partner entity of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation. The Foundation will follow their progress and celebrate their successes while facilitating the ease of their learning through its Whole School Development (WSD) programme.

Said Steven Lebere, AAS Chief Executive Officer: “It is our goal this year to create environments conducive to teaching and learning through the implementation of our four-pillared Whole School Development Model that focuses on school leadership, curriculum, infrastructure and social welfare.” 

He added that he and members of the AAS team are looking forward to the release of the matric results later this coming Friday.

“Our WSD model is working well, which will be evident when we showcase the matric results of some of our top performing schools later this week” he said.

Together with supporting partners, in 2024 at least 14 adopted schools across the country (Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, Northern Cape and KwaZulu Natal) will see much needed infrastructure improvements that will include the construction and upgrading of classrooms as well as the refurbishment of ablution blocks.

At Qhobosheane Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto little six-year-old Ketso Mahelo, clung to his mother Mpho Mahelo who said her son wants to be a doctor when he grows up.

Ms Mahelo said: “Though I worry about the future of my child who is starting school at a time when the world is changing, we are excited that my Ketso got accepted at Qhobosheane Primary School and is starting grade R today. This day marks the beginning of his journey to becoming a doctor, and I looking forward to seeing him grow and pass primary and high school with flying colours and continue to university.”

Headmistress at the school, Ms Mashiba Molofe said the school was delighted to be part of the AAS family.

The partnership, she added, has seen the school benefitting a beautiful library, a new kitchen, refurbishment and painting of classrooms and a repaired roof.”

At Dr Beyers Naude Secondary School in Dube, Soweto, Grade 8 learner Siphelele Cele, 14 years of age, said she was happy to be back in the classroom and was looking forward to working hard and passing all her subjects.

Headmistress at Dr Beyers Naude school, Josephene Matini Ntshani said: “We are preparing our senior secondary learners for their careers and the business world. We ask for more companies to partner with the Foundation as we need further help from them.”

The school, she said, is in need of help with infrastructure, water tanks, furniture and the revamping of the sports ground.

Since 2002, AAS and its partners have invested over R 1,2billion in over a million learners across 650 primary and high schools it supports nationally.

Said Lebere: “Collaborating with our donors and sponsors is crucial. Their support ensures that we are able to implement WSD into our adopted schools.”

Donors that have infrastructure projects underway as we enter 2024 include Nafasi Water, Anglo Gold Ashanti, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (funded through the Presidential Golf Challenge); African Bank, Tshikululu Social Investments and Grindrod Limited.

Merafe Resources, Adapt IT and Sasria currently have curriculum delivery programmes underway.

There are eight schools with over 7 550 educators and school leaders benefitting the School Leadership Advancement programme through the support of some the already mentioned donors.

A Moral Regeneration Project is underway through the support of Merafe Resources.

“Despite the extensive work being done, there are many more schools that need our help. It is only through collective efforts that we can reach more schools in need. We currently have 441 schools on our waiting list with a wish list encompassing all four pillars of the Whole School Development model. We call upon individuals and more corporates to support more schools,” Lebere said.

Matric results are out. Universities are bursting at the seams.  Unemployment is soaring, and the economy is struggling,  but none of these challenges should change your career success story if you equip yourself with the necessary tech skills to future-proof your career.

The workplace is experiencing a massive shortage of tech skills around the world, resulting in soaring demand for tech-savvy individuals.ALX, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is offering eligible candidates sponsored access to world-class tech training and state-of-the-art in-person and online infrastructure in key digital disciplines. Matriculants and youth navigating the job market have a golden opportunity to secure success by embracing sought-after digital and tech skills. These skills will not only prepare them but also act as a launchpad, propelling their careers into growth in this age of digital transformation.

Just matriculated and uncertain about what comes next? A new year and you’re considering a new career? This is what’s next...

 Not too long ago technological skills were as exciting as meeting the Grim Reaper, but today, tech-savvy individuals are the hottest commodity on the job market.  Most roles today require some degree of digital and technical skills to navigate the digitally transformed workplace. 

Whether you’ve just matriculated and are unsure about what to do next or you’re struggling to find a job and feel like your skillset is becoming antiquated, upskilling yourself with in-demand digital and tech skills will help to prepare, launch, and grow your career, getting you ahead of the curve in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The need for top-notch tech skills is critical as Automation and Artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to significantly impact the next generation of workers. The World Economic Forum's "The Future of Jobs Report 2020" predicts that 85 million jobs globally will be replaced by AI by 2025 but also that AI can potentially generate 97 million new roles. In the most recent report released last year, the WEF highlights that AI and Machine Learning Specialists top the list of fast-growing jobs in technology-related roles.

“With technologies such as AI rapidly transforming the world, there’s a huge opportunity for our youth between the ages of 18 and 34 to reimagine their futures, their potential is in high demand. Accessible and affordable tech training, such as the programmes we offer at ALX, can quickly transform the skill set of our youth and open doors to careers both in SA and globally,” says Divesh Sooka, General Manager ALX South Africa. 

Accessible and affordable world-class tech training

At the forefront of the rapid transformation happening in the tech-education space, career accelerator ALX is making tech skills accessible, offering world-class courses to equip SA’s youth with the most globally in-demand tech skills. These include cutting-edge courses in AWS Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, Salesforce Administrator, Back-End Web Development, Front-End Web Development, Data Science and AI Career Essentials (AiCE).

Varying in length and intensity, the value of the courses ranges between R57 000 and R 760 00, however, ALX is offering fully sponsored access to these programmes with all costs waived to eligible candidates, thanks to their partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. Only a once-off affordable administration fee will be charged ranging between R 3000 and R 8000 depending on the exchange rate at the time. This can also be paid off on a “pay as you learn” basis. 

The six-week AiCE programme (no administration fee is required for this course) is the perfect programme to kick-start your career. Designed to provide the essential AI literacy needed to boost the career of entry-level professionals, this six-week programme offers a unique blend of knowledge, skills, and character quality development. 

“All of our programmes are designed to cultivate a holistic approach, helping students become well-rounded technology professionals and equipping them with both technical proficiencies as well as soft skills so that they can thrive in the future of work,” says Divesh Sooka, General Manager of ALX South Africa. 

ALX’s programmes are fully online but offer flexibility. Learners can choose to study from home or make use of ALX’s modern co-working spaces at their ALX Tech Hubs in Braamfontein and Sophiatown, Johannesburg. “Not only do the Tech Hubs provide learners with free access to high-speed internet and stable electricity, but they also provide an environment where students can connect with mentors, industry professionals, and peers, fostering collaboration and innovation,” says Sooka.

To date, ALX has trained more than 80,000 learners with an 85% employment rate and a 93% graduate satisfaction score, there’s no time to waste to apply to take advantage of these highly regarded courses. Applicants need no prior experience, just access to a laptop and the internet.”

Applications for the six-week AiCE course are open and will close on 30th January with classes starting in February. Learners interested in the March Cohort can apply in February for these classes. Registration for all other courses is currently open and will close on 27 February 2024.

Visit www.alx.co.za now to apply or to find out more.

PROTEC’s Class of 2023 matriculants from the NPO’s 11 branches and projects, representing 105 high schools in disadvantaged areas in four provinces, delivered sterling results. The total of 285 learners achieved a close on 95% pass rate, an impressive 75% bachelor pass rate, and 384 distinctions between them.

PROTEC, which wholly relies on donor support, is a highly rated STEM educational support programme that was started under apartheid in 1982 by SAICE engineers, specifically to increase the number of black engineers in South Africa. Today, PROTEC has an excellent track record and over the 42 years of operation more than 35 000 disadvantaged learners have successfully passed through the programme and are now qualified engineers, doctors, scientists, educators, and other professional people.

PROTEC branches

PROTEC’s seven branches – six in KwaZulu-Natal and one in Mpumalanga – achieved over 90% pass rate, with four of the seven branches achieving a 100% pass rate. Overall, the branches achieved a 77% bachelor pass rate, well above the national average of 41%.

The PROTEC Tongaat Branch in KZN shone the brightest with the 34 matriculants from 16 feeder schools achieving a 100% bachelor pass rate and a combined 75 distinctions, which included four maths, four physical sciences and three English distinctions. The top Tongaat learners are Andile Xaba and Nosipho Ngcobo who each earned seven distinctions.

PROTEC INK (Inanda, KwaMashu) also in KZN, did very well with the 38 matriculants achieving a 100% pass rate, and 34 achieving a bachelor pass. Together they earned 68 distinctions. The branch’s top matriculants are Pamella Shezi, Londeka Msomi, and Sibongumusa Madondo, who achieved six distinctions each.

The PROTEC Stanger Branch’s Hannah Ponen achieved seven distinctions, and Siyeneliswa Magwaza, five distinctions.

Top matriculants in the Nelspruit Branch were Khenzani Mabuza and Ayanda Shiba, who each have six distinctions.

PROTEC projects

The four projects – GE Ivory Park and Altron Soweto in Gauteng, and Altron Dimbaza and Dedisa Motherwell in the Eastern Cape – together achieved a 95% pass rate and 70% bachelor pass rate.

Here PROTEC Altron Soweto was the star project with the 25 learners from six feeder schools delivering a 100% pass rate, a 100% bachelor pass rate for the second consecutive year, and 59 distinctions, which include seven maths, five physical science, and 10 English distinctions.

The top Altron Soweto learner, Somnotho Mzolo, matriculated from Bona Comprehensive School with seven distinctions, 95% in maths, and an overall average of 87.7%. He says books are his close friends, maths and science are his soul, and technology and engineering are developing passions. Next in line in this project is Keabetswe Chimeloane who achieved six distinctions.

GE Ivory Park’s top matric students are Karabo Baloyi who achieved seven distinctions, and Samantha Johnson who achieved five.

PROTEC applauds

Balan Moodley, PROTEC CEO, congratulated the Class of 2023 on their commitment to their goals and the many hours of hard work they put into attaining these results. “Most of these learners have been with PROTEC since Grade 10 and have stuck diligently to the programme, making sacrifices along the way, and holding fast to their dreams of successful STEM careers. We applaud them and thank them for flying the PROTEC flag high.”

Moodley acknowledges that while the PROTEC 2023 matriculants did not achieve the 100% pass rate that PROTEC matric classes have achieved in the past, there are pockets of exceptional excellence that are a clear indication of what can be achieved. “We are already in the process of reviewing and analysing the areas where the pass marks were not up to our standard, and we will make every effort in the forthcoming year to ensure that the failure rate is brought right down to as close to zero as possible.

“Overall, we are proud of our matric learners and we wish them well as they step into the post-school future. PROTEC of course continues to support our students through their tertiary education and into their working careers and we celebrate their successes every step of the way, and welcome them within our growing PROTEC Alumni group.”

Donor support

He also extended sincere thanks to the PROTEC donors. “On behalf of the learners, we cannot thank you enough for your generous investment in these youngster’s lives – thank you for sharing our vision of a growing pool of much-needed STEM graduates in different fields in this country. Through your support, their futures are bright.”

For more information, visit www.protec.org.za or www.facebook.com/PROTECnpo/ or PROTEC STEM on LinkedIn.

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