Mercedes-Benz South Africa has committed R6-million to expand the Kutlwanong Promaths Programme in kuGompo, in the Eastern Cape. The funding will support selected Grade 10 and 11 learners from 18 feeder schools in the Buffalo City Metro District.
The programme aims to improve performance in Mathematics and Physical Science through supplementary academic support, teacher development, career guidance, and industry exposure. The goal is to strengthen educational outcomes and prepare learners for further studies and careers in STEM-related fields.
Taryn Woodbridge, CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, said the company recognises the importance of STEM education for the country’s youth. “Through our collaboration with Kutlwanong NPC, we are intentional in our support of learner performance in Mathematics and Physical Science, increasing their exposure to STEM-related pathways,” she said.
Collen Mkhomazi, Head of Education and Acting CEO of Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science & Technology NPC, said the organisation welcomed Mercedes-Benz as a strategic partner. “Their support enables us to extend the reach of the Promaths Programme, benefiting both learners and educators,” she said.
The investment comes at a time when the national education system continues to face challenges in maths and science. Recent matric results show the mathematics pass rate declined from 69% to 64% in 2025, while only 34% of candidates wrote pure Mathematics. The Department of Basic Education has acknowledged the need for focused improvement in STEM subjects.
Academic research also highlights persistent challenges in STEM education in townships and rural areas, including resource constraints and limited access to qualified teachers. Government has called for collective effort from the corporate sector to support STEM uptake.
The Promaths Programme, established by Investec in partnership with Kutlwanong in 2005, has been operating across multiple centres nationwide. In 2021, the programme contributed 5% of South Africa’s national distinctions in maths and science.
The Mercedes-Benz funding will extend the programme’s reach in the Eastern Cape, where provincial maths performance in recent years has lagged national averages. The initiative combines academic support with teacher development and industry exposure to improve learner outcomes across participating schools.
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