Recognition that education plays a central role in building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient societies has motivated South Africa’s largest petroleum and conveniences services company to make significant investments in education stretching back many decades. 

It is this desire to make a tangible difference that makes it easy for Engen to continue its support of the Mark Headbush Foundation (MHF), through the 16thMayoral Charity Golf Day in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Municipality.   

According to MHF trustee, Mark Headbush, the foundation seeks interventions in the early learning phase, focusing on learners from the ages of 0-9 years or grade R-3. 

“We are extremely grateful to Engen for their support which has enabled the Foundation to make lifelong investments in the lives of children in the early education phase,” says Headbush.  

“Starting in 2016, Engen’s sponsorship has totalled over R1 million, playing a key role in addressing the dire early education needs that still exist in our local communities.” 

According to the World Health Organisation, more than four in every ten children in low- to middle-income countries face the risk of missing critical development milestones because of poverty or stunting.  

Proceeds from the 16th Mayoral Charity Golf Day will be used to address inadequacies in learning establishments' infrastructure (schools and classrooms), the lack of learning support materials such as books, libraries, educational tools, computer labs and technology tools, which continue to exacerbate the digital learning divide between the haves and the have nots. 

“As a brand that aims to enrich lives for a sustainable future, we at Engen are passionate about education and humbled to renew our partnership with the MHF,” comments Khalid Latiff, Engen’s General Manager: Corporate Strategy & Communications.   

“By helping support the Mark Headbush Foundation’s efforts in early childhood development we hope to do our part in addressing these challenges which put the future of many of our children at risk.” 

The quest for sustainability is an essential part of Engen’s agenda and aligned with its statement of purpose, which is to become ‘a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future’.  

Engen’s commitment to sustainable development is enhanced by its adoption of nine United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4: Quality Education, which seeks to provide inclusive and equitable quality education and to promote learning opportunities for all. 

Engen is a long-time supporter of education in South Africa, with its flagship Engen Maths and Science School programme kicking off 34 years ago to help support the transformation of South Africa and the creation of an inclusive and equitable society. 

Engen Maths and Science Schools are based in Cape Town (with classes held at Belgravia and Manzomthombo High Schools every Saturday), and in Port Elizabeth, East London, Cala, Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal with classes sitting on Saturdays at four locations, namely: Fairvale High School, Ganges High School, Howard College, and Mangosuthu University of Technology. 

Engen Maths and Science Schools provide free supplementary classes in STEM subjects to approximately 1 800 Grades 10-12 learners annually. 

In 2021, the company also invested R11.9 million in Learnerships and Bursaries, along with a further R27 million in social causes.  

“Engen is committed to making long-term strategic investments in education that uplift under-privileged communities and lead to a larger, more talented pool of graduates,” adds Latiff. 

“Our Engen Maths and Science Saturday Schools are central to our efforts to contribute to the growth and transformation of our country, with the programme working tirelessly to transform young lives, whilst making a useful contribution to a more transformed and vibrant workforce.”