After attending 90 Saturday classes over the past two years, Eric Mubai emerged as the overall top performer in all subjects at the Dimension Data Saturday School Class of 2011 graduation ceremony today.
He scored the highest overall mark (80%) in mathematics, physical science, life sciences, English, computer studies and soft skills. The second overall best student was Kelly Williams, with 77%, with Khutsho Shaku and Ndamulelo Bubuluma coming joint third, with marks of 75%, and Lesetja Lekoloane being recognised as the most improved learner with a 72% mark. Mubai achieved 89% for science and 97% for mathematics.
The Dimension Data Saturday School Programme is a two-year initiative that benefits 100 grade 11 and 12 pupils from 21 disadvantaged public high schools in Gauteng each year.
The learners in the programme come from schools in Alexandra, Diepsloot, Steeldale, Thokoza, Thembisa, Turffontein, Florida and Brixton. The programme empowers the learners through the provision of weekly supplemental tutoring, from 8am to 3:30pm on Saturdays. Learners in the programme attend classes in mathematics, physical science, life sciences, English, computer studies and soft skills. Furthermore, the grade 12 learners are placed on a one-year mentorship programme, which assists in preparing for tertiary studies.
Dimension Data has a partnership with the University of Pretoria through its Junior Tukkies Empowerment Programme. In the programme, learners attend a career guidance session with qualified psychologists to evaluate their skills and competencies, in order to identify key areas of development and to determine whether they are ready for a degree.
The Saturday School initiative also includes the Winter School Programme for the matric learners, in preparation for their end-of-year exams. During this programme, learners attend sessions to assist them in their final matric exams.
A subsidiary initiative to the Saturday School is the Bursary programme. It was introduced in 2006, with the purpose of affording learners the opportunity to further their studies at a tertiary institute of their choice. To date, the programme has funded 19 Saturday School learners to attend a university of their choice - to complete an undergraduate degree.
Some of these young people have now joined the company's graduate programme. Zanele Phungwayo, who graduated from the Saturday School in 2007 with four distinctions, was awarded the Dimension Data Bursary and went on to study BCom IT at the University of Johannesburg. She graduated from the University of Johannesburg in 2011 and is currently participating in the Dimension Data Graduate Programme, in the Dimension Data Services division.
“Education is a top priority for Dimension Data, and we have touched 27 500 learners through our e-learning programmes, across 51 schools using 3 000 educators,” said Zandile Mbele, Transformation Executive at Dimension Data Middle East and Africa.
To date the Saturday School programme has yielded 100% pass rates over the past 16 years, and has reached over 850 learners. Among its top performing learners was Tumelo Mogale, who in 2010 achieved eight distinctions, with a 100% pass in mathematics and physical science. He is currently studying towards a degree in Electronic Engineering at the University of Pretoria. He was among the top performers in the country last year, and was personally congratulated by the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Blade Nzimande.
Dimension Data continues to align itself with the initiatives of government and the needs of communities by delivering innovative programmes and solutions that help increase economic growth and sustainable development for all. “The company will continue investing in a series of innovative projects, among others, our e-learning initiative and the creation of digital cities. This includes our pledge to provide technology access and skills training to 40 000 learners by 2015 - with an emphasis on young people that have previously been underserved by technology,” Mbele concluded.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Dimension Data offices at The Campus, and was attended by parents, Dimension Data clients and executives, and other high-profile representatives of the communities from which the children come. The keynote speaker at the 2011 graduation ceremony was Allan Cawood, Chief Executive Officer, Dimension Data Middle East and Africa. In his message to the Saturday School graduates, Cawood congratulated them for their discipline and leadership in their communities.
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