The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation, has donated furniture to enhance the teaching and learning of maths and science at Sikhululekile Secondary School, in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria.

The donation forms part of the CSIR’s efforts to improve the learning environments in schools that are less privileged. It is also part of an extension of the commemoration of Mandela Day.

Sikhululekile Secondary School is one of the top performing township schools in maths and science with limited resources. Last year in July, the school was one of the schools and orphanages in and around Hammanskaal that received thousands of masks from the CSIR.  During the visit, the CSIR identified a need for science and technology support at the school and, as such decided to provide that support, in a bid to enhance the teaching and learning of maths and science in townships.

The support includes offering bursaries to the top performing learners in maths and science to further their studies at any tertiary institution of their choice. This year is no different, and 10 candidates have been identified for possible funding, five of whom are from Sikhululekile High School.

CSIR Group Executive: Human Capital and Communication, Andile Mabindisa, says the CSIR is responding to government’s call to invest in the youth of South Africa, to provide them with better opportunities and access to the necessary resources.

“South Africa’s past has subsequently thrust many young people into schools that were previously marginalised. Our corporate social investment initiatives under education and skills development include bursaries for top performing underprivileged learners who want to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology. Sikhululekile High School is one of the schools that are doing very well in our townships. As the organisation, we took a decision to provide necessary support to this school to ensure that learners receive equipment and bursaries to further their studies without any hindrance,” says Mabindisa.

The Principal of Sikhululekile High School, Daphney Chuene, welcomed the donation, saying that it would go a long way in improving the school’s infrastructure.

“We are very delighted that the CSIR is keeping its promise of improving our school’s condition. Our learners are very motivated, especially seeing that some of them from last year’s group who did very well in maths and science are now fully funded by the CSIR Bursary. We applaud the leadership of the organisation for its vision and desire to see township schools flourishing.”

In addition, the CSIR visited various schools in rural KwaZulu-Natal, where sanitary towels and reusable masks were donated to Menzi High School – which has had 10 consecutive years of a 100 per cent pass rate – Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High School, Bhekisisa High School and A M Moolla Spes Nova Special School.

-ENDS-

Issued by the CSIR

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Email: dmandaha@csir.co.za

About the CSIR:

The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za

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