SciMathUS (Science and Mathematics at the University of Stellenbosch) offers students who have already passed the final NSC examination but do not qualify for admission into higher education or selected programmes with high entry requirements (such as engineering, medicine, etc.) a second chance to improve their NSC results in Mathematics, Physical Science and Accounting. With these improved results students may reapply to be admitted to higher education the following year. 

Over the past 20 years, the SciMathUS programme has given 1 698 students the opportunity to achieve their dreams of entering higher education and changing the trajectory of their lives.

The support received from the Eskom Development Foundation is strategically aligned to the vision of Stellenbosch University (SU) and the South African government – to broaden access to institutions of higher learning and contribute to the creation of a larger pool of highly skilled young people.

"SciMathUS addresses the Eskom Development Foundation’s core theme of developing human capital by offering students the opportunity to follow their dreams so that they may one day be successful and plough back into the economy. We’re not only on a mission to broaden access (to tertiary education); we’re also champions of access with success," says SciMathUS Component Head Nokwanda Siyengo.

That is why the programme includes mentorship and psycho-social support for each student and offers modules such as academic and computer literacy. Former SciMathUS students act as mentors to these newcomers who are often the first-generation students, meaning they are first members of their family to attend university.

"SciMathUS students are not just recruited, they are also well prepared to navigate the academic and social challenges of studying at a higher education institution."

After successfully completing their SciMathUS year, students are academically and mentally ready to enter mainstream programmes at any tertiary institution and assisted with applications for the degree programmes of their choice, as well as bursary applications.

According to Cecil Ramonotsi, CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation, they are proud and excited about the difference they make in students’ lives.

Over the past eight years the foundation has generously contributed to SciMathUS and he believes the programme plays a huge role in bridging the gap between the haves and the have-nots in the country and levelling the playing field for learners who come from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.

The foundation invests heavily in education programmes that prioritise Maths and Science and SciMathUS meets the requirements.

"We get a lot of value for the money we award to SciMathUS," he concludes.