• Diepdale Secondary School records a pass rate of 90.8%, surpassing the national average and showcasing the success of Allianz Commercial's social responsibility programs.
• The Grade 12 class of 2023 is the first cohort to fully benefit from Allianz Commercial's comprehensive programs.
• The programs have focused on enhancing infrastructure, technology, academics, sports, and extramural activities.

Johannesburg, February 26, 2024 - Diepdale Secondary School, located in the heart of Diepkloof, Soweto, has achieved an outstanding Grade 12 pass rate of 90.8%, marking a significant improvement of 13.4% compared to the previous year. This remarkable accomplishment not only surpasses the national average of 82.9% but also places the school at number two in the circuit. Allianz Commercial South Africa, through its social responsibility programs, has played a pivotal role in this achievement.

The Grade 12 class of 2023, the first cohort to fully benefit from Allianz Commercial's comprehensive programs throughout their time in high school since 2018, has demonstrated the power of hard work, collaboration, and dedication. Over the past five years, Diepdale Secondary School has received support from Allianz Commercial, in partnership with NGOs such as the SA Medical and Education Foundation and 1st Things 1st, primarily through Allianz Group’s Social Impact Fund. These programs have focused on enhancing infrastructure, technology, academics, sports, and extramural activities.

Johannes Munakisi, Principal of Diepdale Secondary School, expressed his pride in the class of 2023's accomplishments, stating, "I am very proud of what the class of 2023 has achieved. The Maths and Science results have improved significantly because of the impact of the Allianz Commercial programs. This cohort was in Grade 8 when Allianz partnered with the school and were therefore able to benefit fully from the programs. So, we are grateful for Allianz's support over the past five years."

Allianz Commercial South Africa's CEO, Thusang Mahlangu, shared his excitement about the school's remarkable results, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community involvement. He stated, "I am very thrilled with these results, which is the highest the school has achieved since Allianz's involvement. It proves that when there is commitment from the teachers, parents, wider community, and NGOs, success is guaranteed. It is through these strong partnerships and pulling together in the same direction that has resulted in the positive trajectory from around 50% to over 90%. Like the old African saying, 'It takes a village to raise a child.'"

The impact of Allianz Commercial's programs extends beyond academic achievements. Amanda Sebolai, Managing Director of 1st Things 1st, commended Allianz's dedication to sustainability goals and their integrated program, stating, "It is so refreshing to work with Allianz; they are dedicated to their sustainability goals, and they put their money where their mouth is. Their integrated program is delivering great results at Diepdale Secondary School."

The enrichment program, run through 1st Things 1st, provides reading, comprehension, and spelling in English and extra classes for Maths, Natural Science, Technology, and Economic Management Sciences (EMS) in grade 8. On average, the students that attend the program perform a lot better than those that don’t.

Other notable initiatives supported by Allianz Commercial is the Allianz Maths and Science Centre, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and resources. This center has enabled learners to excel in maths and science, contributing to the government's efforts to improve educational outcomes and transform South Africa into a knowledge-based economy. Tebogo Moroti, a beneficiary of the center, recently graduated from the University of the Western Cape as a dentist, showcasing the long-term impact of Allianz's investment in education.

In addition to academic support, Allianz Commercial launched the Allianz MoveNow program, which aims to strengthen young people by providing access to opportunities and promoting physical and mental well-being. The program includes career expos, sports challenges, and international exchanges. The Allianz MoveNow Camp was hosted at Diepdale Secondary in 2022 and saw over 1400 young people from Soweto attend a career expo and participate in a football and netball challenge. It was done in partnership with former Banyana Banyana Captain and football legend Portia Modise and retired international netballer and netball coach Dumisani Chauke. Tinyiko Shiburi, a learner from Diepdale Secondary School, had the honor of representing South Africa at the Allianz MoveNow Camp - Global Edition in Munich in 2023, participating in various sports activities and exploring new horizons.

“At Allianz, our corporate responsibility focus areas are education and youth. We passionately believe that education can make the biggest sustainable impact on communities. The Allianz social responsibility programs promote the social inclusion of youth through innovation. With these programs, the parents are more supportive, teachers are better educators and learners have their best chance of reaching their full potential,” adds Thusang.

Access to high-quality education is crucial for creating a knowledge-based economy, and Allianz Commercial South Africa remains committed to partnering with stakeholders to enhance access and quality of education in line with the National Development Plan.

For further information please contact:
Lesiba Sethoga
Tel. +27 112 147 948
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About Allianz Commercial
Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world’s largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry as well as family-owned and medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or Hollywood film productions. Powered by the employees, financial strength, and network of the world’s #1 insurance brand, as ranked by Interbrand, we work together to help our customers prepare for what’s ahead: They trust us to provide a wide range of traditional and alternative risk transfer solutions, outstanding risk consulting and Multinational services, as well as seamless claims handling. The trade name Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property & Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2022, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated more than €19 billion gross premium globally.

These assessments are, as always, subject to the disclaimer provided below.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This document includes forward-looking statements, such as prospects or expectations, that are based on management's current views and assumptions and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance figures, or events may differ significantly from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

Deviations may arise due to changes in factors including, but not limited to, the following: (i) the general economic and competitive situation in Allianz’s core business and core markets, (ii) the performance of financial markets (in particular market volatility, liquidity, and credit events), (iii) adverse publicity, regulatory actions or litigation with respect to the Allianz Group, other well-known companies and the financial services industry generally, (iv) the frequency and severity of insured loss events, including those resulting from natural catastrophes, and the development of loss expenses, (v) mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (vi) persistency levels, (vii) the extent of credit defaults, (viii) interest rate levels, (ix) currency exchange rates, most notably the EUR/USD exchange rate, (x) changes in laws and regulations, including tax regulations, (xi) the impact of acquisitions including related integration issues and reorganization measures, and (xii) the general competitive conditions that, in each individual case, apply at a local, regional, national, and/or global level. Many of these changes can be exacerbated by terrorist activities.