The Zakariyya Park Engen Maths and Science Schools (EMSS) centre has once again delivered outstanding matric results, reaffirming the programme’s commitment to academic excellence and youth empowerment.
Engen hosted the awards ceremony at Zakariyya Park Secondary School on 15 February 2025, honouring these exceptional learners for their hard work and dedication.
For over 35 years, EMSS has provided free supplementary education at 10 centres nationwide, equipping young South Africans with the skills to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Explains Engen’s CSI Manager, Olwethu Mdabula: “These subjects are considered critical in addressing the country’s technical and engineering skills shortage, as well as spurring economic growth and development.
“While Engen is extremely proud of all the 2024 matriculants, I must make special mention of, and commend, the incredible results attained by our top achievers,” adds Mdabula.
Spotlight on Top Achievers
Junior Khoabane, an alumnus of Leshata Secondary School and Orange Farm local, has always believed that nothing worthwhile in life comes easy. Through hard work and discipline, he achieved outstanding matric results, securing 82% for Mathematics and 83% for Physical Science. With a passion for technology, he plans to pursue a degree in Computer Science this year. Khoabane’s philosophy in life is simple yet powerful: “Don’t think you have time; it’s always moving, so you have to move with it.” He stays motivated by exercising, listening to good music, and watching motivational videos. Khoabane said the extra EMSS supplementary lessons played a crucial role in his final exam preparations. “EMSS gave me greater exposure to effective teaching methods and helped me approach complex questions with confidence.”
Mahlatse Masekane, a proud matriculant of Leshata Secondary School in Orange Farm, has triumphed over adversity to achieve academic excellence. Scoring four distinctions, including 87% in Mathematics and 84% in Physical Science, Mahlatse has secured a place at the University of Cape Town to study Computer Science, bringing him closer to his dream of becoming a data scientist and quantitative analyst in one of South Africa’s top banks. Mahlatse’s journey to academic excellence was not without challenges. Growing up in a family of seven, with his father as the sole breadwinner, financial constraints often made it difficult to access essential study materials. He recalls struggling to afford transport for Saturday classes and even going three years without electricity in his area, making studying at night nearly impossible. Despite these hardships, he remained determined. He credits the Engen Maths and Science School (EMSS) in Zakariyya Park, which he joined in Grade 10, for playing a key role in his success. “The teachers provided invaluable exam tips and high-quality materials that helped me prepare,” he says. Matric was not without its difficulties—Mahlatse fell ill during his prelims and struggled without a dedicated study space. However, his resilience and belief in a better future kept him going. Inspired by motivational speaker Les Brown’s catchphrase, “It’s possible,” he remains steadfast in his aspirations.
Vulombe Nhlohlori Maluleke from Zakariyya Park Combined School has proven that dedication and perseverance yield remarkable results. He achieved four distinctions, excelling in Mathematics, and plans to study for a BSc in Computer Science at the University of the Witwatersrand. Vulombe’s success story is one of resilience and self-discipline. Growing up in Zakariyya Park, he was raised in a family that values education. His mother, a traffic officer, and his father, a primary school teacher, instilled in him a strong work ethic. Vulombe credits the EMSS programme with significantly shaping his academic success. Joining in Grade 10, he found that the programme exposed him to higher-order questions and provided clarity on complex topics. “EMSS allows learners to gain clarity on things they do not understand. It also helped me prepare for exams by exposing me to challenging questions,” he says. He highly recommends the programme to aspiring learners looking to excel in mathematics and science.
Amandla Ngubo, a former learner at Leshata Secondary School, is on the path to success after achieving an impressive 85% in both Mathematics and Physical Sciences. His dedication has secured him a place at the University of Cape Town, where he is studying Civil Engineering—bringing him closer to his dream of owning a construction company. Amandla credits the Engen Maths and Science School (EMSS) for his academic achievements. Having attended the Zakariyya Park EMSS centre from Grade 10, he acknowledges the programme’s role in improving his marks and boosting his confidence. “EMSS assisted me with my revision and made a real difference,” he says. Despite facing financial challenges and difficulties commuting to school, Amandla remained committed to his studies, believing that education was his key to success. Now, as he embarks on his tertiary education journey, he is determined to build a thriving career in the construction industry. To this year’s matriculants, he offers this advice: “Work hard, stay focused, and take advantage of resources like EMSS. They can truly help you achieve your goals.”
Other top achievers from Leshata Secondary School included:
- Lesedi Ranyadi Tsotetsi, who scored 81% for English and 87% for Mathematics.
- Kevin Chauke, who achieved 88% for Mathematics and 80% for Physical Science.
- Lwazi Mlambo achieved a distinction for mathematics
Empowering South Africa’s Future
“Engen is immensely proud of our Gauteng matriculants, especially our top achievers who have shown resilience and commitment to academic excellence,” says Olwethu Mdabula, Engen’s CSI Manager. “Their success highlights the transformative impact of quality education in shaping lives and driving South Africa’s skills development agenda.”
As part of Engen’s commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes quality education for all, the company remains dedicated to bridging educational gaps and fostering opportunities for learners from underserved communities.
Recognising Excellence Across South Africa
Engen has celebrated EMSS learners’ achievements nationwide through a series of awards ceremonies at its 10 learning centres.
“We are incredibly proud of these learners,” concludes Mdabula. “Their perseverance and achievements inspire future generations and demonstrate the power of education.”
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