By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
SEEN HERE: This is what a 100 percent pass rate looks like – happiness
Ekurhuleni, South Africa — As the 2025 matric results are celebrated across the country, one achievement stands out with remarkable consistency: learners supported by the Sci-Com Foundation have once again recorded a 100% pass rate, marking the 16th consecutive year of exceptional performance in mathematics, physical science and life science.
The milestone underscores the sustained impact of long-term corporate investment in education, driven by the continued sponsorship of Sun International and Carnival City. Their support has enabled the Ekurhuleni-based non-profit organisation to transform Saturday school interventions into a powerful pipeline of academic success for learners from communities including Tsakane, Kwa-Thema, Duduza, Geluksdal and Wattville.
SEEN HERE: Learners from various schools working hard at one of the 2025 Sci-Com Foundation Saturday schools
Raising the Bar in Maths and Science
Sci-Com’s model focuses on early intervention, enrolling learners from Grade 10 to ensure they are thoroughly prepared for the rigours of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations by matric. According to Freddy Nkopane, Project Manager at the Sci-Com Foundation, the results speak not only to pass rates, but to quality outcomes.
“For the 16th year in a row, Sci-Com learners have attained a 100% pass rate,” said Nkopane.
“Every learner that attended classes at Sci-Com Foundation passed their NSC examination in mathematics and science. We have raised the bar in terms of quality of results, with more distinctions and increased university entrance at Bachelor’s level.”
Investment That Removes Barriers to Success
The programme’s success is underpinned by comprehensive logistical and academic support made possible through Sun International and Carnival City’s sponsorship. Custom-designed subject manuals and training booklets were produced for each learner in preparation for the 2025 NSC exams, ensuring consistency and depth in content delivery.
Learners were transported via minibuses and buses from surrounding townships to Brakpan High School, where access to well-equipped facilities enabled a more practical and intensive learning experience. “Through the assistance of Sun International, we were able to feed learners during breaks, cover travelling costs, and even support our highly trained tutors,” Nkopane explained.
“The financial backing has allowed us to help ordinary children from formerly disadvantaged homes qualify for university entrance and study at institutions of their choice.”
SEEN HERE: (left to right): Learners with Mduduzi Madonsela, Socio Economic Development, Carnival City; Mrs Somikazi Chabalala District Director of GDE’s Gauteng East District and Mr Lucky Nkopane Sci-Com Foundation’s Managing Director
Bridging the Education Divide
For Carnival City, the partnership reflects a deliberate effort to address systemic inequalities in South Africa’s education landscape. Mduduzi Madonsela, representing Socio-Economic Development at Carnival City, highlighted the broader societal value of the initiative.
“Sci-Com bridges the gap between schools that have resources and those that don’t,” he said.
“It helps more learners pass matric with key skills in areas that South Africa desperately needs.”
Echoing this sentiment, Heidi Edson, Sun International’s SED Manager, emphasised the life-changing nature of sustained educational support.
“Carnival City and Sun International’s commitment to supporting youth from formerly disadvantaged backgrounds has made a significant difference in these learners’ lives,” Edson noted.
SEEN HERE: Specially designed study manuals for the intervention in content subjects like Mathematics; Life Sciences and Physical Science.
A Model Built for the Future
With teaching set to continue every Saturday and during school holidays, Sci-Com remains aligned to its long-term vision of consistent curriculum delivery and academic excellence. The foundation’s enduring success demonstrates what is possible when targeted educational interventions are matched with committed corporate partnerships.
As South Africa grapples with skills shortages in critical fields such as science and technology, the Sci-Com Foundation’s 16-year record stands as a compelling case study in how sustained investment, community focus and academic rigour can change outcomes — and futures — at scale.
