Rural high school learners in the Free State will receive a “final push” from Denel to prepare for the year end exams.

Young black engineers from the defence and technology company will spend the October holidays in the Xhariep district to teach and mentor matric students in subjects such as science and mathematics.

This initiative will benefit matric students in towns such as Fauresmith, Olien, Trompsburg and Zastron and follows on a winter school programme offered by Denel in July.

“Many of our young engineers come from rural communities and disadvantaged background and welcome opportunities to give back to society and share their knowledge and experience,” says the Acting Group CEO of Denel, Zwelakhe Ntshepe.

Ntshepe says South African State Owned Enterprises (SOE) exist in a developmental context and are thus expected to play a pivotal role in transforming both the economy and society through this and similar intervention that target mostly the marginalised communities.

Three young Denel engineers who will provide the extra tuition in calculus, geometry and chemistry are Mike Dlulane, from Denel Land Systems, Suna Kotole from Denel PMP and Richmond Malinga from Denel Dynamics.

The Free State Department of Education has approached Denel for assistance in preparing high school learners prior to the start of the matric exams.

Denel regularly contributes to high school learning through bursaries, scholarships and participation in science weeks and enrichment programmes. In the 2015 academic year matriculants who attended Denel’s maths and science enrichment programmes in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the North West, received a 100% pass rate in the year-end exams. The 230 Grade 12 learners raked in 117 distinctions and more than 60% of the class received exemptions for university studies.

Denel has established a productive relationship with schools in the Free State and some of its engineers have also lectured in the Lejweleputswa district.

“This is another opportunity for Denel to support communities and education authorities in subjects that are vital to the ability of learners to continue with further studies,” says Ntshepe.

Ends

For further information, contact:

Pam Malinda

Cell: +27 (0) 82 686 2198
Tel: +27 (0) 12 671 2662
email: pamm@denel.co.za

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