About Us
Transforming education. Unlocking potential. Building South Africa’s future.
The Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy, meaning “love of knowledge” in isiZulu, is a flagship educational initiative of St Stithians College and its seventh school. Established in 2006, Thandulwazi is a nation-building programme dedicated to expanding access to quality education for historically disadvantaged learners and strengthening the teaching profession in South Africa.
Grounded in the belief that education is one of the most powerful drivers of social and economic transformation, Thandulwazi works to improve outcomes in critical gateway subjects (Mathematics, the Sciences, Accounting and English) while simultaneously investing in the development of teachers as agents of change.
Through inclusive, high-quality educational programmes, the Academy empowers learners, develops teachers, and uplifts communities - contributing to greater equity, excellence, and opportunity in South Africa. Our work aligns with national education priorities, including the National Development Plan (Vision 2030), while also advancing our own strategic ambition to help transform education by 2030 through impactful, future-focused learning and development.
What We Do
Thandulwazi delivers a holistic, multi-layered intervention that supports both learners and teachers across the education system:
Saturday School Programme
The Saturday School Programme provides curriculum enrichment and academic support to Grade 9–12 learners from under-resourced public schools across Gauteng. By offering additional teaching time and high-quality instruction, the programme strengthens performance in gateway subjects (Mathematics, the Sciences, Accounting and English) and expands access to tertiary education opportunities.
Academic Scholarship Programme
This programme provides full scholarships to high-potential, historically disadvantaged learners in the FET phase (Grades 10–12), enabling them to attend St Stithians College. Learners benefit from excellent teaching, particularly in Mathematics and Science, as well as comprehensive academic and pastoral support.
Initial Teacher Intern Training Programme
Focused on addressing South Africa’s shortage of qualified teachers, this programme develops future educators across Gauteng and Limpopo through academic study, structured classroom placements, mentorship, and psychosocial support. With a strong focus on Mathematics, the Sciences, English, and Early Childhood Development (ECD), the programme equips student teachers with strong subject knowledge, effective pedagogy, and the professional capability to thrive in the classroom and contribute meaningfully to the education system.
Teacher Development Programme
This programme supports in-service teachers and school leaders through ongoing professional development. By strengthening subject knowledge, pedagogy, and leadership capacity through accredited training and targeted academic support, it enhances teaching quality in schools and ECD centres across Gauteng and Limpopo, contributing to improved classroom practice and learner outcomes.
Our Impact
Since its inception, Thandulwazi has made a measurable and sustained impact:
- Over 14,900 learners supported through academic programmes
- More than 15,900 teachers developed through professional training initiatives
- 176 intern-teachers successfully trained and placed into the education system
Thandulwazi continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact across Gauteng and Limpopo.
Our Vision
A South Africa where every child has access to quality education, is taught by skilled and motivated teachers, and is empowered through learning to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Our Model
Thandulwazi’s approach is distinctive:
- Inclusive access: Learners and teachers self-select into programmes, removing barriers to participation
- Dual focus: Strengthening both learner outcomes and teacher quality for systemic impact
- Sustainable impact: Investing in teachers to create long-term change across the education system
- Partnership-driven: Building meaningful collaborations with schools, universities, donors, and government
- Future-focused: Continuously strengthening programmes through innovation, technology, and data-informed decision-making
Our Structure
Thandulwazi operates as a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) and is 100% donor-funded through the Thandulwazi Trust, ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustained impact.
- BBBEE Black Beneficiary Base: 99.52%
- BBBEE Socio-Economic Development Recognition: 100%
Why It Matters
By equipping young people with knowledge, confidence, and opportunity, and by strengthening the teachers who guide them, Thandulwazi is not only improving educational outcomes, but helping to unlock human potential, uplift communities, and contribute to a more equitable, skilled, and prosperous South Africa.
