The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is proud to announce the remarkable progress of the UWC and the Local Government SETA (LGSETA) Schools Project - an ambitious initiative aimed at improving the performance of learners in Mathematics, Physical Science and Career Guidance across nine high schools in the Ndlambe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. 

This groundbreaking partnership between UWC, the Eastern Cape Department of Education, the Sarah Baartman Education District, the Ndlambe Local Municipality, and school principals and educators, has already begun transforming the academic trajectories of hundreds of young people.

At the heart of this initiative lies UWC’s historical mission: widening access to quality education for learners from historically disadvantaged and working class communities. The project speaks directly to this mission by equipping learners in grades 10 to 12 with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue post-school opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and other disciplines. 

With the confirmation of funding for 300 learners over three years, received on 17 April 2024, UWC has proudly mobilised a programme that not only strengthens academic outcomes but also inspires hope for brighter futures in the Ndlambe community.

The Winter School held in June 2024, marked an important milestone. Over two weeks, 98 grade 12 learners and 200 grade 10 and 11 learners received intensive tuition in Mathematics and Physical Science, alongside targeted career guidance sessions. The participation of the Sarah Baartman Education District in selecting top-performing educators, based on proven track records, ensured that learners were exposed to teaching of the highest quality. 

Learner feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming that these interventions were addressing both knowledge gaps and career aspirations.

The Class of 2024’s performance demonstrated the impact of this partnership. Learners showed significant improvements in Mathematics and Science pass rates, with more learners achieving Bachelor-level passes and qualifying for tertiary study in STEM programmes. These achievements underscored the transformative power of targeted, collaborative interventions in rural and peri-urban communities.

UWC extends its deepest gratitude to the LGSETA for its visionary funding support. Without this investment, the dream of offering structured, high-quality academic support to learners in Ndlambe would not have been realised. LGSETA’s commitment to improving education and skills development in South Africa has found a powerful expression in this partnership. We are equally grateful to the Ndlambe Local Municipality for their unwavering support, and to the Eastern Cape Department of Education and the Sarah Baartman District for ensuring alignment with provincial education priorities, and for deploying dedicated educators who are making a real difference on the ground.

This project also reflects UWC’s belief that education is not only about learners, but also about strengthening the teaching community. Early lessons have highlighted the urgent need to expand teacher development, ensuring educators are continually empowered with new skills, curriculum updates,m and innovative teaching strategies. In partnership with our stakeholders, UWC is committed to developing an ecosystem where both learners and educators thrive.

Looking ahead, UWC is confident that this partnership will serve as a model for how universities, government, local municipalities and communities can work together to drive sustainable educational improvement. The project’s official launch on 4 October 2024, addressed by the Eastern Cape’s MEC for Education Fundile Gade, provided an opportunity to celebrate what had already been achieved and to recommit to the shared vision of building pathways to success for learners in Ndlambe and beyond.

Through this partnership, a strategic opportunity has emerged while working with Mr Gade. It is the first time in the 27-year existence of the 43 Air School in Port Alfred that 25 learners from the Eastern Cape, who are part of the UWC LGSETA project, will have a unique opportunity to be trained in the Aviation Space. It illustrates that the LGSETA project is breaking new ground.

UWC remains deeply honoured to stand alongside the LGSETA and all the partners in the project. Together, we are shaping futures, unlocking potential and proving that when communities unite, excellence in education is not just possible - it is inevitable.