Dimension Data has, for the second year in a row, contributed R100 000 towards an initiative set up by the City of Johannesburg to recognise and reward the achievements of the top matriculants at 20 of the city’s highest achieving “no-fee” township schools.
The learners at these schools do not pay school fees, according to criteria set by the Department of Education based on the economic level of the community around the school.
Education is a top priority for Dimension Data. The company’s focus is on supplementary education with emphasis on Mathematics and Science and providing additional learning and teaching resources to previously disadvantaged pupils and public high schools in underserved communities across South Africa.
Werner Kapp, regional executive of the Dimension Data Gauteng Head Office, says, “Through our education initiatives, Dimension Data remains committed to helping young South Africans take active steps towards accelerating their ambitions and realising their dreams. We are proud to be associated with this great initiative by the City of Jo’burg and look forward to seeing the success stories of these outstanding learners.”
Andile Nkabinde, who was part of the Dimension Data Saturday School in 2013/14, is one of the 20 matriculants who received a cash grant towards his university registration fees and books. All the learners received cash grants as well as a laptop computer and a smartphone, all donated by private sector companies including Dimension Data.
Andile attended Kwabhekilanga Secondary School in Alexandra Township and achieved four distinctions in his Matric exams. He is also a proud recipient of a bursary sponsored by Dimension Data Saturday School partner, MAD Charity.
Speaking at the awards ceremony where the matriculants received their prizes, the City’s Executive Mayor, Councillor Parks Tau said “Today we are celebrating excellence. These schools are a shining example of overcoming adversity. Education is the key to curbing inter-generational poverty in our country.”