Saturday School
At Dimension Data, we are committed to positively impacting our communities by delivering sustainable value. Our mission is to make a difference in education, job opportunities and economic growth, by continuously seeking new and innovative ways through the use of technology, to change the lives of young people.
Since 1995 we continue to invest in the futures of our youth and help them to achieve excellent results in matric, prepare them for the corporate world and position them for success.
Over the past 26 years, Dimension Data's Saturday School has helped thousands of high school learners improve their knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM subjects). The programme runs over the school calendar year, offering additional classes to Grade 11 and 12 learners from underserved communities. The programme has been recognised by the Gauteng Department of Education in South Africa as one of the top three education interventions.
For the past 26 years, the Saturday School has achieved over 90% pass rate and an average of 85% distinctions across various subjects. Graduates have gone on to become actuaries, accountants, doctors, microbiologists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and ICT professionals, some of whom have joined Dimension Data through our graduate programmes.
The Saturday School is currently based at our Gauteng and Port Elizabeth offices. Our intention is to see it grow beyond these regions so that more young people can reap the benefits of this initiative.
‘We believe that education and technology have the power to transform lives and shape a better future, and that is why for the past 26 years, we have invested in our Saturday School programme to help South Africa’s brightest young minds become the Creators of Tomorrow. ‘
Ensuring progress in the midst of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic
Education is a key enabler in bringing positive change in society and strengthens the possibility of progress and we wanted to help our students to stay in contact with their teachers and remain inspired to learn during the 2020 national lockdown. Through technology we were able to empower our learners to stay connected with their tutors and engaged in their studies.
“I feel grateful and I appreciate the help I’m receiving from Dimension Data. I’m able to take part during the learning and teaching. I am able to research some things that I don’t understand and communication has totally improved because the data is enough. I feel so lucky because even though its lockdown I can still do my school work. The opportunity that we were given by Dimension Data has played a huge role because we can never have to stress about data and being behind on school work. I’m grateful, thanks” Saturday School learner.
Congratulations to our Creators of Tomorrow!
Our learners demonstrated sheer determination which was key in helping them realise their maximum potential despite all odds presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ziphezinhle Langa
Jiyana Secondary School in Tembisa
100% in Mathematics and 98% Physical Sciences.
Ziphezinhle is studying Actuarial Science at Wits University.
Rethabile Thinane
Tiisetsong Secondary School in Tokoza
82% in Mathematics and 77% in Physical Sciences.
Rethabile is studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pretoria.
Thato Tsatsi
Diepsloot Combined School in Diepsloot
93% in Mathematics and 93% in Physical Sciences.
Thato is studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pretoria.
Lapane Maela
Diepsloot Combined School in Diepsloot
95% in Mathematics and 93% in Physical Science.
Lapane is studying Mathematical Science at the University of Pretoria.
Tre Chetty
Florida Park High School in Florida
77% in Mathematics and 81% in Physical Science.
Tre is studying Accounting Science at Wits University
Moleboheng Koza
Landulwazi Comprehensive School in Tokoza
78% in Mathematics and 77% in Physical Sciences.
Moleboheng is studying Industrial Engineering at the University of Pretoria.
As a company, we believe strongly that education is the only route to economic growth and to break the cycle of poverty in South Africa. The Saturday School is our humble contribution to the future prosperity of this country and its people.”
Werner Kapp CEO, Dimension Data
"Youth unemployment in South Africa continues to be a challenge stemming from various reasons but mainly quality of education and a weakened economy. Despite these challenges, youth development is key in driving change, innovation, lifetime investment and improved quality of life for the disadvantaged. Dimension Data started the Saturday school as a support structure for grade 10 – 12 learners specifically focusing in STEM subjects. As a technology company we constantly face technology evolution, innovation and change. The youth are better geared at managing with change and fresh ideas especially given the current digital era.
Dimension Data is creating a pipeline of well equipped leaders, technocrats and business savy youth who participate firstly in our Saturday school, then have an opportunity to participate in our graduate programmes then eventually become part of the Dimension Data family."
Nompumelelo Mokou Managing Director: Southern Africa, Dimension Data
Some success stories
Sherodene Devalogan
Thabiso Motha
‘Saturday School an extraordinary opportunity to an ordinary learner. It uncovered immense potential that laid dormant in me. It’s an incubation hub for excellence.’
Kamokgelo Molaba
Kamokgelo graduated from the Saturday School in 2015 with 7 distinctions and was awarded a bursary to study Economic Science at Wits University. She joined Dimension Data in 2020 as a Graduate Accelerate Programme (GAP) intern and is currently completing her Masters in Economic Science.
"The Saturday school is the greatest motivator to an unmotivated learner. It has taught me that in order to stay current and get ahead it is important to learn, unlearn and relearn"
Karabo Sephofane
"Leaders are nurtured with patience" the Saturday School was patient with our growth and development and ensured that we leave the Saturday School with a holistic experience.”
Partnerships improve the lives of our communities
We believe in strategic partnerships to achieve our goal of creating a sustainable South Africa.
The Saturday School’s success has been made possible through the commitment of the learners, the dedication of its tutors, the support from the South African Department of Basic Education, employees, our clients, partner schools, tertiary institutions and youth development organisations such as Moshal Scholarship Programme, Sci-Bono, The South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP).
Through these partnerships our learners benefit in the form of bursaries, work experience, exposure to a large network of mentors in the IT industry and career opportunities.
Our school is one of the schools partnered with Dimension Data Saturday School Programme. The programme has unearthed raw talent from grade 10 Maths, Science and Accounting learners. We always have one or two learners emerging from nowhere after being part of Saturday programme. Learners who were not in our of Top 10 from grade 8,9 and 10 end up in top 3 at the end of grade 12. The programme doesn’t only maximise learners performance but also help them on how which courses are relevant to their performance. They also help them with applications to universities. I wish many more learners will be exposed to this kind of platform.
Michael Maligana - Principal Kwena Molapo Comprehensive Farm School.
The success of the Saturday School has resulted in the programme becoming a feeder for young talent into our youth development programmes - Graduate Accelerate Programme (GAP) and Technical Accelerate Programme (TAP) which afford young leaders the opportunity to build their future, working with the latest technology to help them become the Creators of Tomorrow. Our education initiatives have given these learners exposure to world class technology and an opportunity to learn, grow and flourish within the company and industry. By so doing we are enriching our country with highly sought-after skilled professionals for local and international co-creations that drive digital transformation.
