In commemoration of its 42-year milestone of fostering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education dedicated to empowering young people, Protec hosted a prestigious gala dinner earlier this month at the Protea Hotel Wanderers in Johannesburg.
Protec is a non-profit organisation aimed at shaping the STEM skills of young South Africans in order for them to branch into the science and technology career fields.
The gala event hosted its donors and stakeholders, comprising the government and the private sector as well as Protec alumni. The glittering event lauded its cohort of dedicated teachers, facilitators and the matric Class of 2023.
Protec board member Francois Adriaan acknowledged that the school’s four-decade tenure was made possible through the vested support of its staff members and parents, hence the school continued to build learners’ STEM careers.
“What started with 67 learners in 1982 has now reached over 40 000 learners who have been supported in their efforts to succeed beyond school and into STEM fields. This in itself is cause for celebration. Protec’s next big step is adding a further 200 schools to the programme – an exciting project that is loading as we speak,” said Adriaan.
The top learners from Protec branches nationwide were awarded in honour of their academic excellence.
From Protec in Ivory Park and Tsosoloso Ya Afrika Secondary School learner, Karabo Baloyi, was hailed as the overall achiever. She earned the top maths award (98%), a joint science award scoring 93%, and seven distinctions.
Andile Xaba from Protec Tongaat in KwaZulu-Natal and a learner at Sacred Heart Secondary School also achieved the joint top science award and seven distinctions.
Sibusiso Dlamini from Protec Altron Soweto and learner at Fons Luminis Secondary School was the top achiever for English, achieving 89%.
There were two laureates in the 25-year service award category.
Anna-Maria Mkhize was hailed for her 29 years as assistant branch manager at Protec Tongaat.
Elzabe Matthews was also recognised, having joined the learning institution during the infancy of democracy in 1995 as branch manager at Umbogintwini.
The 10-year service category honoured Balan Moodley, who joined Protec in 2010. Moodley progressed from financial manager to CEO in 2015.
Fannie Matumba also received an award, having joined Protec in 2013 as general manager.
Duduzile Ngoepe served as project co-ordinator in 2005, soon progressing to senior project manager, where she oversees nine projects in six provinces.
Shortly after the awarding ceremony, Protec chairperson and alumnus, Antony Hlungwane, said a five-year strategy plan had been formed to see positive strides in fostering and shaping STEM education between 2023 and 2028.
“We will continue to introduce innovative programmes and platforms to stay abreast of digital mega-trends. However, we are adjusting our focus to ensure we produce critical thinkers with the know-how and soft skills to navigate the evolving future world of work,” he said.
He outlined that the strategies are set to focus on sustainability, strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders, and building strong rapport with alumni for current learner support and mentorship.
Moreover, there are plans to establish more branches in low-income communities, by using donors and technology, which will eventually bridge the digital divide.
“Protec cannot do this on its own. We will continue to build partnerships with more industry leaders and stakeholders, because all of us must partner to raise the youth of our country,” said Hlungwane.
The Star
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