Gqeberha, South Africa, 11 January 2024 – Having celebrated a 100% pass rate for the Coega Maths and Science Programme (MSP) Class of 2022, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) anticipates excellent results for the Class of 2023, on 19 January 2024.
Mr. Eldon September, who has been the MSP Programme Facilitator since 2013, says: “The team was very optimistic at the end of the academic year, even though paper two for both subjects, mathematics, and physical science, tend to be very challenging. Based on the feedback from students after writing each paper, we look forward to amazing results next week.”
The MSP Class of 2023 consisted of 90 learners, all looking to pursue various careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related fields. Class of 2023 learner, Mr. Zain Limbada, hopes to study a Bachelor of Science at the University of Cape Town this year, saying: “I feel way better than I did waiting for my marks last year. I think the teachers did a great job and I am waiting to hear back from UCT.”
For 10 years and counting, Coega has implemented its flagship MSP to offer Grade 12 learners a funded opportunity to improve their matric mathematics and physical science results. The Programme is facilitated by dedicated educators at the Coega Skills Development Centre in Zone 4 of the Coega Special Economic Zone, a preferred investment destination and leading SEZ in Africa.
MSP Class of 2020 alumnus, Ms. Sanelisiwe Moss, who is currently studying towards her civil engineering degree at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, explains her journey through the Programme: “After matric, I couldn’t further my studies because my marks didn’t allow me to. Coega was the catalyst that propelled not just my academic growth but also transformed my personal life. It unearthed immense potential within me, enabling me to dream ambitiously.”
Ms. Tarryn Higgins, MSP Class of 2021 alumnus and pharmacy student at Rhodes University, describes the MSP as an excellent and helpful experience, citing a 30% increase in her mathematics and physical science marks. “I am very grateful for the chance Coega gave me to pursue my dream of becoming a pharmacist,” says Higgins.
To date, the Coega Maths and Science Programme has catapulted close to 1000 students into STEM careers. An alumni portal is currently being developed to track the progress of former learners and is expected to launch before the closure of the 2023/24 financial year.
“In the future, I see the Programme growing and changing the lives of many young people in our country,” concludes September.
