DELMAS – Exxaro Leeuwpan’s latest initiative aims to transform educational support for learners in Delmas. This marks an expansion of local educational support beyond ordinary extra classes and the annual rewarding of top matric performers by the mine. The initiative will ensure that a majority of learners are fully equipped for academic success, while emphasizing inclusivity and excellence for all.
During the launch event at Swartklip Combined on April 10, Lorraine Mofokeng, Exxaro Stakeholder Affairs Manager, highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing educational efforts. “Delmas has been selected as a pilot location among all Exxaro operations, with the initiative receiving financial support from the head office,” Mofokeng stated.
“The purpose is to enhance what we are already doing through partnering with experts in the field,” Mofokeng further elaborated.
The collaboration between Exxaro and the Department of Education Victor Khanye circuit introduces the GoMaths initiative, known for its 20 years of experience in producing high-performing learners in Maths and Science. Now extended to learners in the Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM), the program will offer additional tutorials throughout the year at five local high schools: Mafa Max Motloung Secondary, Phaphamani Secondary, Botleng High, Sundra High, and Swartklip Combined. These tutorials cover essential subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting, with Life Science, Economics, and Geography offered as additional subjects.
In addition to the scheduled tutorials, learners will receive study guides and advanced scientific calculators, ensuring they have the tools they need to excel.
“The minimum mark which we are trying to enforce to learners is to achieve at least a 65% pass rate, which guarantees university entrance and access to bursaries provided by Exxaro. We believe this can only be achieved if we all work together as different stakeholders,” said Lebang Nong from GoMaths.
Ronald Teffo, Exxaro Leeuwpan Business Unit Manager, shared his personal journey to success, highlighting the importance of such programs in shaping futures, of which he also benefited from a similar program during high school years being offered by Transnet. “We are saying we will support where we can. There is a lot of money put into this [GoMaths initiative], but for us, it is not about the money; it is about the results,” said Teffo.
VKLM Executive Mayor Vusi Buda applauded the initiative for its potential to improve the quality of matric results and increase opportunities for learners. “The GoMaths initiative will go a long way in improving the quantity of passed matric learners, but not only that, but also the quality of results, which will enable learners to gain university admission,” said Buda.
In closing, Mafa Max Motloung Secondary Principal Msiza expressed gratitude for Exxaro’s investment in local education. He called on other mines and businesses to follow suit so that no learner must be left behind, and all gaps must be closed.
