Matriculants who participated in Denel’s Maths and Science enrichment programmes in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the North West, received a 100% pass rate in the 2015 year-end exams. The 230 Grade 12 learners raked in 117 distinctions and more than 60% of the class received exemptions for university studies.

One of the participants in the Denel programme, Given Mkhwanazi, was recognised as the second best achiever in Mpumalanga while Abongile Booi emerged as one of the top learners in the North West. Also, Ernest Molelle, a learner from Reiger Park High School achieved 8 distinctions and received a national award from the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga.

Denel’s contribution to the training of young engineers, scientists and artisans in South Africa is confirmed by the achievements of students and high school learners who benefit from the company’s bursary and educational programmes.

Top achievers from various universities and high schools in the country were honoured at a function in Tshwane this morning. The Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, Bulelani Magwanishe, delivered the keynote address and congratulated the young achievers.

Denel employees contribute to the enrichment programme by teaching classes in collaboration with local schools over weekends and during holidays. Companies within the Denel Group have long-standing partnerships with schools such as Olievenhoutbosch and Steve Tshwete in Tshwane and the Etwatwa Secondary School in Benoni.

Zwelakhe Ntshepe, the Acting Group CEO of Denel says the company is attracting some of the best and brightest young minds in South Africa through its internship and bursary programmes. This demonstrates Denel’s commitment to remain a global leader in the defence, security and technology sectors.

During the 2015 academic year Denel provided bursaries to 83 students at various universities and they achieved a 100% pass rate. “We take great pride in the achievements of the students who are graduating in engineering disciplines and are contributing to the country’s skills base in the fields of technology, advanced manufacturing and design,” says Ntshepe.

Apprentices who attend the Denel Technical Academy in Kempton Park were also honoured at the prize-giving function. The Academy offers tertiary training to 345 first year students who then continue to gain practical experience in industry before returning to Denel to qualify as apprentices.

Among the class of 2015 were 60 students from Cameroon who have studied in various aviation-related trades at the Denel Technical Academy.

Ntshepe says Denel’s primary goals remain to be the strategic partner for the SA National Defence Force to ensure the security of the country’s borders and protect the lives of its citizens. In the modern defence environment this mission is increasingly accomplished through the development of advanced technologies and systems integration that can keep South Africa at the cutting edge of a rapidly changing environment.

Ends

For further information, contact:

Pam Malinda

Cell: +27 (0) 82 686 2198
Tel: +27 (0) 12 671 2662
email: pamm@denel.co.za

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