Learners in action at Manoshi Secondary School, getting acquainted with the intricacies of digital literacy to enhance their academic knowledge. Photos: Lucky Moamba
By Malatji Monyelegwete – malatji.monyelegwete@ul.ac.za
Approximately 70 learners in the Mankweng Circuit are gaining digital skills and receiving additional lessons in critical gateway subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting, thanks to an ongoing community engagement initiative by the University of Limpopo’s (UL) Rural Development and Innovation Hub (RDIH)
In collaboration with the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA), this initiative is already underway and making a significant impact on the lives of local learners. It supports Grade 12 learners from Manoshi, Frans Mohlala, and Magogo Schools, all located in the Capricorn District.
The first component of the programme focuses on digital empowerment. Twenty Grade 12 learners from Manoshi Secondary School in Ga-Mmamatsha are currently participating in a Digital Literacy Programme aimed at introducing them to essential computer skills and basic coding. Upon successful completion, participants will earn certificates, receive tablets, and backpacks to encourage ongoing engagement with digital learning tools.
The second component assists 50 Grade 12 learners from Frans Mohlala and Magogo Secondary Schools who are studying Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and/or Accounting. Through targeted tutoring, the programme addresses subject-specific challenges that learners face. To ensure its success, the RDIH will provide exam study guides for all learners and procure whiteboards for the participating schools. These resources will be used throughout the programme and retained by the schools thereafter,” said Lucky Moamba, Community Engagement Officer at RDIH.
BANKSETA CEO Eubert Mashabane (3rd from left), together with RDIH staff and the BANKSETA team, visited schools to encourage high school learners to study hard, emphasising that BANKSETA awards bursaries to top-performing learners to support their university studies.
To ensure continuous monitoring and support, BANKSETA CEO Eubert Mashabane recently visited RDIH for a project briefing to assess progress, identify challenges, and discuss areas for improvement. Following the briefing, Mashabane, joined by Elelwani Netshituni from BANKSETA and Moamba from RDIH, visited Manoshi Secondary School, where the CEO had the opportunity to meet and interact with the learners.
In his address, Mashabane encouraged the learners to work hard, particularly in Mathematics, Sciences, and Accounting, to improve their chances of university admission and to pursue high-demand careers such as Chartered Accountants (CAs). “BANKSETA offers comprehensive bursaries for high-performing learners, covering tuition, living expenses, and other academic needs,” he stated. He concluded by urging the learners to stay focused, listen to their educators, and commit to their studies to build a better and brighter future.
The University’s Rural Development and Innovation Hub continues to be a catalyst for change in the region. As a centre of excellence, it promotes innovation in rural development while strengthening community partnerships, affirming UL’s commitment to transforming lives through education and engagement.