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The post-matric programme in mathematics and science at Fields College in Rustenburg, in association with Implats, is now in its fifth year, and the number of students who benefit from the programme continues to grow.

The programme is designed to support engineering- and science-oriented matric students to progress to higher education and succeed at tertiary level. The year-long programme assists students with acquiring the necessary knowledge and achieving the results that will enable them to enter and succeed at engineering, science and technology at tertiary level. The programme includes an English language proficiency component.

The course was started with a view to assist historically disadvantaged communities where learners have never had access to a fully-equipped laboratory. The teaching methods employed by the programme are extensive and learners get a chance to use the lab equipment. This is fundamental in preparing the learners for higher education.

Implats has recognised and applauded the success of the programme and as a result, the number of students has grown from 30 to 40 this year. The pass rate from 2004 to 2007 has similarly increased from 48% to 79%. “Seeing the success of the programme in the previous years, Implats wanted to grow the pool where they could draw from. The company believes that this programme is key to educating and training potential employees,” said Professor Piet Human who manages the programme.

A number of students come back to give offer assistance to the programme as a way of thanks. Natasha Kau, a student who graduated in 2005, is now an assistant teacher and is in charge of the computer literacy class. She said, “The programme was very helpful in that it trained me to cope under pressure and prepared me for my university studies.” She is currently doing a Bachelor of Science in computer science through UNISA and is in her third year.

Thapelo Sono is also a former student of the programme and is currently doing his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at UCT. During the university vacation he teaches mathematics and science at Ukuqonda Institute. “This is my way of giving back to the community and saying thank you for the opportunity afforded to me by Implats,” he said.

Finding suitably qualified teachers is a continuous challenge. The programme has to compete with private schools in getting the best possible teachers.

Impala Social Development Manager Tina Malau said, “Implats has made a substantial capital investment by contributing several million rands to the building of classrooms and laboratories at Fields College in earlier years. It is also our aim to provide similar projects in labour-sending areas, to be run in conjunction with recruitment programmes.”

The programme is run by Ukuqonda Institute, an NGO acting as a service provider to Impala.

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