Coega to explore technology to improve accessibility to Flagship Maths and Science Programme

Coega Maths and Science Programme Celebration with the Class of 2022 top learners/achievers: Back row: (left to right) Anathi Sam (Top Learner), Seth Johnson (Top Learner), Abongile Breakfast (Maths Facilitator) Lauren Campher(Top Learner), Zandile Mdyongolo (Top Learner), Mr. Washington Mushwana (Maths Facilitator), Hayden Peyne (Top Learner), Mr. Eldon September (Maths and Science Facilitator), Front row: Sibulele Sibadla (MSP Alumnus), Caylee Bezuidenhout (Top Learner), Mr. Khwezi Tiya (CDC CEO), Latitha Mhlaba (Top Learner), Hlumisa Khala (Top Learner).

Gqeberha, South Africa, 31 January 2023 - The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) recently hosted an awards dinner at the Bluewater Bay Sunrise Hotel (BWBSH) to celebrate the Coega Maths and Science Programme (MSP) Class of 2022 top achievers and to acknowledge an overall MSP pass rate of 100%.

Considering the exceptional 2022 results, Coega is considering exploring the use of technology to make the Coega MSP accessible to a larger number of learners who are willing to improve their Grade 12 Maths and Science results. Currently, the Coega MSP can accommodate 100 learners per annum.

The MSP Class of 2022 generated five distinctions in Mathematics and four distinctions in Physical Science. Twenty-three learners achieved above 70% in both Mathematics and Physical Science. The Class of 2022 Top Learner, Seth Johnson, shared his experience: “At Coega, I experienced a better quality of learning. We have been taught by true professionals and I would stay longer if I could.”

Left to right: Mr. Washington Mushwana (Maths Facilitator), Seth Johnson (Top Learner – 1st in Class), Abongile Breakfast (Maths Facilitator), Mr. Eldon September (Maths and Science Facilitator)

Coega MSP, one of Coega’s flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Programmes, formed in 2013 to empower matriculants by providing them the opportunity to improve their Grade 12 Mathematics and Physical Science results. Coega provides the MSP at no cost to learners. This Programme is in line with Coega’s objectives, to support communities by promoting education and skills development. It follows from the organisation’s vision of being a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development. The Programme is also aligned to the country’s National Development Plan (NDP), Vision 2030, as young people deserve improved educational and economic opportunities.

Mokgaetši Sebothoma, Coega’s Executive Manager of Corporate Services, under which the MSP falls, shared: “I would like to congratulate the Coega MSP Class of 2022 for their courage in stepping back into the classroom to improve their marks in Mathematics and Physical Science; I can only imagine how difficult this decision must have been. As you continue your journey, please remember, the only person you are competing with is yourself.”

The Coega MSP enables learners to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). With the help of the Coega MSP, thousands of learners have been able to secure admission to their preferred tertiary institutions and will go on to excel in their careers.

Coega MSP Alumni were also invited to address the Class of 2022. Hlompho Lengoasa (20), Coega MSP Class of 2021, now a second-year BSc student at Rhodes University, shared good advice with the Class of 2022: “This is a new chapter in your life, ensure that you attend all your classes at the tertiary institutions of your choice to get the most out of the course, maintain full concentration at all times, and arrive to class on time.”