Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology, a non-profit organisation, will be celebrating twenty-one years of distinctions and Bachelor passes in Maths and Science in township and rural-based schools across the country, on 8 October.
Unqualified and under-qualified teachers
For years the pass rate in these areas hovered below the 50% pass mark. Most learners either dropped out of the schooling system or pursued career paths they did not like. This was primarily due to the fact that most maths and science teachers were either unqualified or under-qualified to competently teach these subjects. Also, many schools lack proper teaching aids, science kits or laboratories to conduct experiments.
Boosting learner performance in township high schools
The Centre has successfully turned this around by boosting learner performance in STEM subjects. In 2005, weekend classes started with 140 learners from Grades 10 to 12 learners at Makhoarane Primary School in Dobsonville, Soweto. By 2018 these learners produced 22 C’s, 34 B’s, 84 distinctions with 10 students achieving 100% in maths. Since its launch, two decades ago, the Centre has produced 13 522 distinctions. It had also expanded its footprint and operates in all provinces except the North West and Northern Cape.
Contributing to the National Senior Certificate
Not only does the Centre provide a pipeline of learners ready to enter tertiary education, but also contributes to the country’s overall National Senior Certificate pass rate. Most of its learners are always among top achievers receiving awards accolades from the Department of Basic Education.
In 2024, the Grade 12 national group achieved 5 432 distinctions across all subjects with 130 candidates from Kutlwanong Centre achieving distinctions in all subjects. As many as 97.4% received Bachelor passes while 1 602 achieved distinctions in both Mathematics and Physical Sciences, last year.
Increasing female representation in STEM leadership
The Centre’s paved a way for many young black learners to follow careers in critical areas such as commerce, engineers, science, mining, technology and mathematics. Particularly girl learners, who outperform their male peers, lifted themselves and their family out of poverty and secured jobs in the science sector. This augurs well for women as they are currently under-represented in STEM fields where women account for only 23% of the STEM professionals and only 17% of these hold leadership positions.
Teacher recruitment
The Centre’s academic success can be attributed to its strict and careful teacher selection process. Teachers are handpicked, assessed to determine their passion and proficiency in the maths and science curriculum. Other criteria for teachers include being innovative, easy to relate to and ability to connect with learners and bring the best out of them.
Solid Alumni Programme
The Alumni Programme forms a critical component of the Kutlwanong Centre, providing a valuable platform for support, networking and mentorship; especially for learners transitioning from high school to university. Today, some of them hold senior leadership or executive positions in various science, academic and blue chip companies.
Journalists are invited to attend and interview some of the alumni, teachers and the Centre’s founding members.
The event will take place:
Date: 08 October 2025
Time: 10:30 – 12:30
Venue: Investec100, Grayston Dr, Sandown, Sandton, 2196
Please confirm attendance by contacting:
Thabo Mohlala
083 298 6573 or methney@gmail.com
