The year-long SciMathUS programme gives high school learners who have already passed Grade 12 but do not qualify for higher education selection, a second opportunity to improve their National Senior Certificate results in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Accounting. This will enable them to re-apply for university programmes.

SIOC-CDT was established in 2006 by Kumba Iron Ore Limited to invest in the uplifting of the communities in which the mining company operates in the Northern Cape and Limpopo. Key to these efforts is a strong focus on education and skills development. This has seen the roll-out by SIOC-CDT of various education initiatives. Their involvement with SciMathUS dating back to 2019, is one of them.

Refilwe Disetlhe received a bursary from SIOC-CDT to complete the SciMathUs programme in 2019.

Through her hard work and dedication, she managed to increase her Mathematics mark from 48% to 71% and her Physical Sciences mark from 53% to 76%. This allowed her to be accepted for further study at SU and to graduate with a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to SIOC-CDT for believing in me and providing me with a second chance. Their support has not only enabled me to improve my academic performance but has also allowed me to achieve an important milestone in becoming the first in my family to earn a degree. This opportunity will open doors and has also created a positive ripple effect that will impact future generations in my family," she said.

Disetlhe who calls Kuruman in the Northern Cape home is pursuing a BSc Honours in Plant Pathology this year.

Amogelang Mataboge also graduated with a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. He was awarded a bursary from SIOC-CDT to complete the SciMathUs programme in 2020 as well as his studies at SU. During his SciMathUS year he improved his Physical Sciences mark from 65% to 90% and his Mathematics mark from 56% to 86%.

Mataboge, who hails from Thabazimbi in Limpopo, said he is profoundly grateful to the SIOC-CDT for making his higher education journey possible.

"Your unwavering support has not only enabled me to graduate with a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, but has also opened doors to a world of possibilities and opportunities. Thank you for investing in my education and believing in the potential for positive impact through scientific endeavours. I am truly appreciative of the transformative impact your support has had on my academic and professional aspirations."

This year he is pursuing an honours programme in Biochemistry.

"After completing my academic journey, I aim to transition into the professional realm, either securing a job or undertaking an internship that aligns with my passion and expertise in the field," he added.

Kabelo Tlhabadira graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering after successfully completing the ScimathUS programme in 2019 thanks to a bursary from SIOC-CDT. He achieved 90% for Mathematics and 85% for Physical Sciences at the end of his SciMathUs year, a huge jump from the 45% and 58% he obtained for Physics and Maths respectively in matric.

SIOC-CDT also financed his engineering studies at SU up to his third year. Khumba Iron Ore itself then covered his studies for the fourth year.

"I would like to say a big thank you to SIOC-CDT for the opportunity they’ve given me," said Tlhabadira. "They have made university life way easier for me and that allowed me to focus exclusively on my studies."

Tlhabadira has taken up a job offer with Khumba Iron Ore in the Northern Cape.

Vusani Malie, Chief Executive Officer of SIOC-CDT, said the success of these graduates is proof that the company’s mandate to provide the kind of support that in the long run enables beneficiaries to thrive, is bearing fruit.

"We are certain that their achievements will inspire future generations in their family to view success as something that is attainable, and which has the power to improve their standard of life."