STEM Project Yields Success

School Performance

• 234 learners (52.8%) obtained Bachelor passes, exceeding the provincial average of 52.2%.
• 406 out of 443 learners (91.6%) passed matric, exceeding the provincial average of 89.5%.
• One of the top learners in KwaZulu-Natal came from Lamontville High School. She obtained eight distinctions, including in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
• Mabomvini Combined School (Eston): 100% pass rate and Most Improved School in Physical Sciences, from 80% in 2022 to 100% in 2024
• Sobantu High School (Pietermaritzburg): 94.3% pass rate - a 12.8% increase since joining the project last year
• Lamontville High School (Merebank): 91.3% pass rate and Most Improved School in Maths – from 24.7% in 2022 to 72.5% in 2024
• Sihle High School (Sezela): 90.5% pass rate – an impressive 31.8% increase since joining, and a shift from low STEM participation to enthusiastic growth
• Gobizembe High School (Noodsberg): 84.8% pass rate - a 25.9% increase since joining

Learner Achievements and Future Plans

• Pamela Mahamba (Top Learner) is pursuing a Bachelor of Accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg.
• Slindokuhle Zisongo (7 distinctions) has been accepted for a Bachelor of Accounting at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). She applied for a Bursary.
• Zukisani Lutseke (Top Physics Learner) has been accepted at the University of Johannesburg for Analytical Chemistry.
• Thandeka Zulu (Distinction in Mathematics) has been accepted at UKZN for a BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science.
• Anathi Mkoko (Distinction in Mathematics) has been accepted at Durban University of Technology (DUT) for Civil Engineering.

These positive results demonstrate that the Maths and Science support we provide to the schools enables overall improvement in teaching and learning. We are immensely proud of these achievements and extend our best wishes to all learners as they embark on their future endeavours.

Praise from Schools

School principals have expressed their gratitude for the ISSA STEM Project's impact:

• “Thank you to Illovo. Or school would not have achieved a 100% pass rate and also a 100% pass rate in Physical Sciences. One learner obtained a Bachelor pass with four distinctions and will be studying Agricultural Engineering at UKZN,” said Mr Mbanjwa, Science Stream HOD at Mabomvini Combined School.
• “We greatly appreciate the help from Illovo. We have a top learner in the province, Ms. Pamela Mahamba, who obtained eight distinctions, and three more learners who obtained distinctions in mathematics,” shared Mr Khanyile, Principal at Lamontville High School.
• “Thank you to Illovo. We nearly obtained 100% in Physical Sciences; only one learner failed with 29%. Thank you very much for your support,” said Mr Pillay, Principal at Sobantu Secondary School.
• “We highly appreciate the support from Illovo, the learners, parents, and community at large. We were given laptops, a projector, and the Illovo team engaged parents on career day, and provided learners with a six-month supply of sanitary towels, food, and classes. Thank you very much,” expressed Mr Mkhize, Principal at Gobizembe Secondary School.

Impact of ISSA STEM Project

Since its inception in 2022, the Thuthuka Nathi STEM Project has achieved remarkable milestones.

• Provided extra Maths and Science tuition to more than 1,300 learners.
• Benefitted more than 13,000 primary and high school learners.
• Trained 79 educators to high standards.
• Included 12 schools – seven primary and five high schools.

We extend our best wishes to all learners in their future endeavors and thank our partner, ScienceCEO Academy, for their invaluable support in inspiring a love of education and STEM.