Lejweleputswa Education District Director Ms Phehello Zondo applauded CUT for stepping into the bigger picture of improving learners’ performance in STEM education.

Earlier this year, the Central University of Technology (CUT) and the Lejweleputswa Education District entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their long-standing relations. In the agreement, both institutions focused on recognising the shared commitment to educational excellence, community development, and the advancement of skills in the region. Both parties seek to establish a collaborative relationship, learning opportunities, foster innovation, and empower both learners and educators. This partnership is also grounded in the mutual belief that through joint initiatives, resource sharing, and strategic support, they can make a positive and lasting impact on educational outcomes and the local community.

On 07 March 2025, the CUT Welkom Campus held a Principals' Breakfast engagement session, as a constructive step in achieving the agreement commitment, securing and fortifying the collaboration, and advancing the desired objectives of improving learners’ success.

When sharing her strategic plans, Ms Phehello Zonke, Lejweleputswa District Education Director, highlighted the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and how it can pave a career path for learners and prepare them for the in-demand careers. “STEM education provides numerous benefits. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity and innovation, encourages lifelong learning, increases scientific literacy, and can provide our learners with the critical skills that will help them navigate the modern world.”

She expressed her gratitude to the university for their continuous support, particularly in improving the class of 2024 Life Sciences results. She further added that the district has already seen improvements due to this collaboration, citing an average increase from 44.0 to 47.9 % pass rate in the Life Sciences subject. “These subjects are in the National Development Plan (NDP) for South Africa, which aims to have 450 000 learners eligible to study Maths and Science at tertiary level by 2030. In Basic Education, we talk about the three streams model - Occupational, Vocational and Academic, and this tutoring programme is going to assist us to improve on the Inclusive Basket of Criteria. Our 2025 pass rate target is 95%, with at least 50% bachelor pass rate, and this partnership has come at the right time for a better future of Lejweleputswa.” 

 Ms Zonke added that the Teacher Development Programme, alignment and sharing of resources are other aspects in the agreement that will benefit the district. “It remains critical that without the capable teachers, the learners cannot achieve the good results. This partnership is a great transformative force in our education system and will assist us to significantly change the narrative. It will also assist our teachers to be fit for purpose and ultimately achieve good learning outcomes.”

Lejweleputswa principals, educators and STEM subject experts jotting down notes and learning from their peers at the stakeholder engagement session, anticipated to improve learners’ performance in critical subjects.

The Lejweleputswa Education District Educators and Subject Advisors who attended the engagement session at the CUT Welkom Campus. The educators pledged to continue working hard to accomplish their set goals and remain the number one province in the country.