For the third consecutive year, Engen, in partnership with Tharisa Mines, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing STEM education and educational equity by sponsoring Marikana North High School’s Grade 12 matric bootcamps. 

Engen representatives officially handed over a cheque to the school’s Board of Governors. The event was also attended by representatives from the North West Department of Education.

The funds will be used to run Marikana North High’s intensive bootcamp, designed to prepare Grade 12 learners for their final matric examinations. After a successful Winter Bootcamp in July, the learners will also benefit from an October Bootcamp, ensuring they are well-prepared for the National Senior Certificate exams.

As a company deeply rooted in driving sustainable development and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Engen’s support reflects its broader mission to bridge educational inequality and empower future leaders.

A Lifeline for Learners

For the past three years, Engen and Tharisa Mines have also partnered to provide matric study guides across all subjects. These have been staggered over time so that the school now has a complete library of resources. Learners preserve the study guides for use by future matric classes, creating a cycle of shared academic support.

“Thanks to Engen and Tharisa Mines, our learners now have the resources and support needed to succeed,” said Mr Stoffel Pitse, Principal of Marikana North High School. “Our matric camps are more than just revision sessions – they are a lifeline for learners who face many social and economic challenges. We are grateful to both companies for standing by our school and investing in the future of our children.”

The bootcamps are organised in close collaboration with the North West Department of Education and the local community. Learners stay overnight at the school, with mattresses supplied by the Department, while parents take turns preparing meals and supervising the learners. Tharisa Mines provides uncooked food parcels. This unique model not only strengthens academic performance but also supports the broader Marikana community.

“Education is the cornerstone of progress, and by supporting both academic resources and sustainable initiatives like the bootcamps, we aim to empower the next generation with opportunities to thrive in a technology-driven world,” says Olwethu Mdabula, Engen CSI Manager.

“At Engen, we want to empower learners to reach their full potential and prepare them for the modern world. That’s why we’re extremely excited to partner with Tharisa Mines to play a role in moulding our future leaders,” added Paindane.Henrique, Engen Commercial Business Development Manager.

A Long-standing Commitment to Marikana North High

Over the years, Engen and Tharisa Mines have worked hand-in-hand to uplift Marikana North High School. In 2024, the partnership distributed 607 study guides across key subjects, contributing to a 7% increase in the school’s matric pass rate.

Engen’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering educational excellence continues through programmes such as the Engen Maths & Science Schools (EMSS), which in 2024 achieved a 98% pass rate, with many learners receiving bursaries to pursue tertiary studies in fields such as engineering, accounting and computing.

Like Engen, Tharisa Mines remains committed to educational upliftment in the communities where it operates, with a strong focus on empowering learners with opportunities for growth and development.

Together, the two companies continue to invest in the young people of Marikana – ensuring that they not only have the academic tools to succeed, but also the encouragement, resources, and community support needed to thrive.

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