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The Coega Maths and Science Programme (MSP), a Corporate Social Investment initiative by the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) to improve the high school pass rate for mathematics and science, has announced their enrolment period for this year, closing on 11 February 2022.

The programme contributes to communities in terms of education and skills development and has led to more learners undertaking studies in Science, Engineering and Technology, thereby reducing the scarce and critical skills gap. With a target on matriculants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, the programme has seen a steady increase in applications since its inception in 2013.

Sisipho Ndika (19), Lesley-Ann Witbooi (18), and Hlompho Lengoasa (19) are three of the top learners from the 2021 cohort who have shown immense potential in terms of their growth and learning during the course. They have managed to improve their mathematics and physical science marks significantly, propelling them to pursue their dream careers.

Sisipho, who plans to study medicine, came across a testimonial from a former MSP learner who also went on to pursue a career in medicine. “I could relate to her experience. The programme has helped me grow both academically and emotionally. I am extremely grateful, and I’d recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in a similar position after matric.” Lesley-Ann, who has been accepted to study psychology at Rhodes University this year, was able to improve her marks by nearly 50% in both mathematics and physical science through the MSP. “It was a remarkable experience. I never thought I had that in me. I could hardly believe it when I saw my results.”

Over the years, the programme has recorded impressive results, affording many young people the opportunity to upgrade their matric results in mathematics and physical science and enrol for their study course of choice. The 2021 cohort produced four distinctions in mathematics and seven distinctions in physical science under challenging circumstances during COVID-19. “This is a landmark achievement on a very important programme for the CDC. It’s up to us to take the programme to the next level this year,” urges Mr Khwezi Tiya, CDC CEO.

“The CDC is proud of the phenomenal results achieved by the class of 2021 MSP learners and their dedicated educators, acknowledged as the direct result of commitment and perseverance over a very challenging year. We wish the class of 2021 well in their future endeavours, hoping that this second opportunity provides the required impetus to greatness. We look forward to observing similar excellence from the class of 2022,” says Mr Craig Luckman, CDC Corporate Services Acting Executive Manager.

Hlompho Lengoasa (19), who plans to pursue a career in medicine, described the programme as life changing. “It helped me academically and I developed my cognitive skills. I am no longer the person I was last year; the course helped me realise my full potential”.

With the MSP’s explicit focus on mathematics and physical science, one of the requirements for learners to be considered to participate in the MSP is full completion of Grade 12, passing all subjects except mathematics and physical science (in which they need to have scored above 20%).

“Learners must submit their statement of matric results as well as a copy of their South African Identity Document. Classes will start in the month of February and continue through to October, daily from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the number of participants will be limited to only 100 learners, and preference will be given to residents of the Nelson Mandela Bay”, says Mr Eldon September, CDC Physical Science Facilitator. Applications can be submitted by hand at the Coega Human Capital Solutions (HCS) front gate, in Zone 4 of the Coega SEZ in Gqeberha or via email to eldon.september@coega.co.za.

Issued by Coega Development Corporation