The Gauteng Department of Economic Development, in partnership with Coca-Cola beverage South Africa, hosted a Back2School campaign at New Eersterus Secondary School in Hammanskraal to support Grade 10 and 12 learners in mathematics and science and to celebrate the school’s improved matric pass rate.
Educators, community members, and school governing body members gathered to celebrate the learner’s accomplishments and provide additional support as they entered a new academic year.
The matric pass rate for students in Grades 10–12 in Math and Science at the schools increased by 7.6% from 86.6% in 2022 to 94.2% last year.
To begin the campaign, learners received study tool packs containing mathematics sets and stationery.
The Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Tasneem Motara, stated that the school promised her outstanding results and that they worked extremely well during COVID-19, which is great and demonstrates dedication.
Motara expressed her pride at the results obtained by matric learners’ who focused on their studies. “The matric year is the shortest and fastest. They will soon be writing preliminary and final examinations”
“Class of 2024, you have a whole new world in front of you. Take advantage of it, since your success this year will determine your future,” Motara said.
Director Head of the Tshwane West District, Paula Galego, welcomed the MEC to New Eersterus Secondary School, which she called her second home.
”It is an honour for us today to have study materials donated to assist the learners to have a bright future, as the government continues to elevate this township in informal settlements. Under very difficult circumstances, this school was able to deliver quality results in 2023, and we are grateful for the attention it received,” said Galego.
Nathalie Hendricks, Public Affairs and Communications Manager: North Region at Coca-Cola Beverage South Africa said: “We fully support this Back-to-School initiative with our partners New Schools of Hope and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development that we can provide opportunities and tools for young people to set them up for success. “While ensuring they have adequate resources to reach their full potential”
Gabriel Sithole, Deputy Principal at New Eersterus Secondary School, started by thanking all those who attended and mentioning the positive impact that Coca-Cola Beverage South Africa has had on the school.
“94.2% pass rate that we are proud of, remember that you contributed a lot and the support that you are giving us is appreciated and we promise that come 2025 with the support from Coca-Cola, whatever gift that you are giving to Maths and Science to assist them in getting great marks, we believe that we are going to make it” Sithole added.
The learners performed a variety of songs as a gesture of gratitude towards Coca-Cola South Africa and the New School of Hope.
Alida Fourie, the visionary behind the non-profit organization New Schools of Hope, said that she envisions a world where every child has access to education. “Where their potential is recognised and nurtured, regardless of their background or circumstances”
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