TEACH SA learners at Nedbank Green Economy Indaba

 

Explore What Teach SA Has Been Up To 

Quarterly Newsletter:

 

We reflect on a period of intense focus and strategic activity, which was the third quarter. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continuous support, which has been instrumental in the significant impact we have achieved across our organisation.

We have many exciting updates for you in this edition. We are thrilled to welcome a new Chairperson, and our TEACH SA Ambassadors, Alumni, and, most importantly, our learners have been actively engaged in numerous events designed to propel them forward.

We have begun the last quarter and are more than ready to face the last stretch of this year with enthusiasm and purpose.

With the end-of-year exams upon us, our dedicated Ambassadors and Alumni have been meticulously analysing mid-year exam results. This data-driven approach allows them to strategically target and reinforce the key subject areas where learners need the most support. By strengthening these crucial areas, we are ensuring our students are prepared to achieve their full potential.

This strategic focus is guided by the wisdom that: "The best way to predict the future is to create it." This is the spirit of proactive planning and determined action we embody as we work to make the remainder of the year one of our most successful yet.

Visit our website to learn more about our Board Members:

TEACH SA Board Members
 

Introducing Our New TEACH SA Chairperson

We are delighted to introduce Dr. Buyani Zwane as the new Chairperson of TEACH South Africa. We extend our sincerest gratitude to the former Chairman and founder, Mr. Richard Masemola, for his exemplary leadership over the years.

With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in human resources and leadership development, both locally and internationally, Dr. Zwane is no stranger to fostering growth and excellence. His extensive experience includes serving as owner, facilitator, director, and executive chairperson at FranklinCovey Southern Africa.

Dr. Zwane continues to hold key governance roles, including Director and Chairperson of the GreenMatter NPC Board of Directors and CEO of Breakthrough Development. Drawing on his significant corporate expertise, recently exemplified by his role as Chief Executive of Group Human Resources for Sanlam Limited, he now extends his influence into the academic realm. As an Adjunct Faculty member at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), he plays a crucial role in capacitating and developing leaders and professionals by translating his real-world corporate, public, and NGO experience into relevant and rigorous training for managers. 

His commitment to human capital development extends beyond the corporate world, as he actively contributes to NGOs, schools, and international aid organizations. Dr. Zwane's background, coupled with his long-standing friendship and support for our mission, assures us that TEACH SA is in good hands.

This transition marks a new and exciting chapter for TEACH SA, and Dr. Zwane's leadership embodies the wisdom of the following quote:

"Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example."

We look forward to his guidance as we continue our mission to transform education in South Africa.

 
 

Youth at the Forefront: TEACH SA Learners Shine at the Nedbank Green Economy Indaba 2025

TEACH SA is proud to announce the significant achievement of our learners from various schools in our network, who were not only attendees but active participants and speakers ensuring the voices of the youth were heard in this national conversation at the  Nedbank Green Economy Indaba 2025 held in Sandton on 09 September 2025.

Impact and Influence

This unique opportunity successfully linked our learners' classroom STEM education to real-world global challenges. Beyond observing, our learners took on high-profile speaking roles:

  • Youth Keynote Address: Six of our learners delivered a powerful 15-minute talk on their experiences as young people and their perspectives on the Green Economy. Their insights directly engaged leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers alike.

  • Breakaway Panel Introductions: Other learners introduced key breakaway panel sessions, including topics like The Just Transition and Creating Wealth Through the Green Economy. Their 5-minute introductions set the tone by sharing the relevant perspective of youth from rural and peri-urban communities.

This initiative was a powerful testament to our commitment to placing our learners at the heart of change, ensuring they gain the vision, networking opportunities, and confidence needed to become the transformative leaders of tomorrow.

The awards ceremony and exhibitions also provided a vital platform for our learners to witness innovative, nature-aligned solutions first-hand, bringing options to their minds on how to use their knowledge to better the world. This exposure to the Green Economy is invaluable, inspiring our young leaders to pursue future careers in sustainability and technology.

This initiative is an impactful example of how our commitment extends beyond the textbook, ensuring our learners gain the networking opportunities and vision needed to become the transformative leaders of tomorrow.

 
 
 

Inspiring Innovation: Biogas Twins Shine Brightly!

We could not be prouder of the incredible TEACH SA Legacy Project exhibited at the Nedbank Green Economy Indaba by TEACH SA Alumni Mr. Thulani Shabangu and his brilliant learners, Bongani Mjilibe and Siyabonga Mjilibe, affectionately known as "The Biogas Twins."

These dedicated young men had the opportunity to present their fantastic Biogas Project in the exhibition area. They captivated the audience by sharing the full journey of their project, from the initial idea right up to the working prototype.

Their story is a powerful testament to resilience: they detailed the challenges they faced and how they persevered, using Science and critical thinking to find every answer. Even their expert teacher and mentor, Mr. Shabangu, admitted he was surprised and deeply motivated by their unwavering dedication to seeing the project through.

The success of the Biogas Twins embodies the spirit of our mission, proving that with passion, mentorship, and persistence, our learners are capable of solving real-world problems. They are truly creating their own brilliant futures!

 
 
Nedbank Green Economy Indaba Highlight Video
 

The efforts of our learners did not go unnoticed. We are delighted to report that during the event, Nedbank officials were so impressed by the knowledge and professionalism displayed by our young attendees and speakers that they offered several learners a pathway to their future: Bursaries through Nedbank. This notable recognition is a direct result of their commitment to the Green Economy conversation and is a huge win for their educational journey.

 

Dreams and Purpose: A Workshop on Pathways to Success

Dreams are a powerful force, and nurturing them is the first step toward making them a reality. While the journey is often challenging, guidance from those who have already found their path can illuminate the way.

On July 4, 2025, we hosted a powerful workshop titled "Dreams and Purpose Open Doors Through Hard Work." The event featured inspiring young individuals who, despite being close in age to our matriculants, have successfully pursued their dreams of studying and playing basketball in the United States through scholarships.

These role models captivated the audience by sharing their personal journeys. They spoke passionately about their love for basketball and the crucial role education played in their success both on and off the court. They shared what inspired them, the challenges they faced and overcame, and the unwavering motivation that propels them forward.

To keep the energy high, the workshop concluded with an exciting raffle draw, where lucky learners received gifts.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Defining personal dreams and aspirations.

  • Establishing achievable goals to break down larger ambitions.

  • Leveraging support systems to sustain motivation.

  • Cultivating resilience and focus in the face of adversity.

The workshop was a success, with 69 Grade 12 learners participating. It was a day of inspiration and practical advice, leaving the matriculants with a clear understanding that their dreams are within reach through dedication and purpose.

 
 
 

Workshop Success: Empowering Educators to Support Neurodivergent Learners 

The 3rd Quarter Workshop was highly successful: Teacher Empowerment Workshop: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners, which took place on Saturday, September 27, 2025. This professional development day brought together our dedicated TEACH SA Ambassadors and Alumni for intensive, practical training focused on creating inclusive classrooms.

A Focus on Inclusivity and Wellness

The day was skillfully led by our MC, Makhosonke Reuben Xaba (2011 Alumni and Founder of Mzansi Rockstar Teachers), who set an energetic and reflective tone.

The core of the workshop was rooted in expert partnership:

  • Heal SA initiated the day with a focus on Wellness for Neurodivergent Learners, providing a foundational introduction to common challenges, best support practices, and introducing their vital Help Line as an ongoing resource.

  • Our partners from ELS for Autism delivered two deep-dive sessions. The first provided an essential Introduction to Autism and a better understanding of sensory and executive functions. The second built on this knowledge, offering educators practical strategies for Understanding and Effectively Managing Challenging Behaviours in the classroom environment.

Strategic Guidance and Lasting Impact

The workshop also provided critical strategic guidance for the final quarter of the school year:

  • Mr. Richard Masemola (TEACH SA co-founder and Principal) delivered a motivating keynote, focusing on the challenges faced in schools, the impact of the TEACH SA programme, and highlighting the non-negotiable importance of accurate termly results submissions. A brief, practical breakdown of the submission protocol followed.

  • The day included a brief, yet important, Legacy Project Overview, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of our Ambassadors and their commitment to long-term school improvements.

The day concluded with a motivational talk by Mme Sedibeng, inspiring all attendees to continue building a lasting impact in their schools, reaffirming that our dedicated community is fully equipped and ready for the final stretch of the year.

 

 
 
 
 
 
Workshop Presentation
 

Alumni Corner

"XXXXX Ms Bridget Mukwevho (TEACH SA Human Resource a

Legacy of Learning: An Alumni's Dedication That Launched STEM Careers 

We believe a truly dedicated teacher doesn't just impart knowledge, they create a lasting legacy. In August, we had the profound pleasure of witnessing that legacy in action when a remarkable group visited the TEACH SA office!

We had the pleasure to host TEACH SA Alumni, Ms. Zandile Ntuli (Cohort 2011/2012), who brought two of her former learners, Ms. Bongiwe Nene and Mr. Xolani Radebe, to our offices.

 

 
 
 

Ms. Ntuli's unique philosophy and engaging teaching methods fundamentally changed the lives of her learners. For Ms. Nene and Mr. Radebe, this transformation was pivotal: they are now thriving professionals in competitive STEM careers, and they credit their foundation to Ms. Ntuli's classroom.

During their visit, they sat down for a video interview to share their raw, honest perspectives. They revealed how Ms. Ntuli transformed their fear of crital subjects into a lifelong passion, giving them the mentorship and foundation needed to excel at university and beyond.

Watch the full video in the link below 

 
Zandile Ntuli Impact Video
 

This powerful story is a testament to the lasting impact of the TEACH SA model and the unwavering dedication of our Ambassadors. We are incredibly proud of Ms. Ntuli, Ms. Nene, and Mr. Radebe. Their success is a beacon, proving that when excellence is instilled in the classroom, our learners become the transformative leaders of tomorrow! 

 
 

"TEACH SA Ambassadors do not just teach subjects; they ignite passions, instil excellence, and empower learners to achieve their full potential, paving the way for future leaders in STEM and beyond."

 
 

Deloitte Women's Month Exhibition 

 

Celebrating Women’s Month with Deloitte 

We closed off Women’s Month with a bang! 
TEACH South Africa had the privilege of attending the Deloitte Women’s Month Exhibition on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, at the Deloitte Johannesburg Office in Waterfall City.

We deeply appreciate Deloitte’s commitment to showcasing the impactful work of organisations driving change and empowerment in our communities. It was an inspiring celebration of women leading transformation across sectors.

 
 
 

 Taking Strides With Our Partners 

 
 

The collaborative spirit fuels everything we do at TEACH SA. Rooted deeply in community, we envision a future where, by uniting with visionary institutions, we can ignite and amplify educational impact, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends across all the communities we serve and beyond.

This vision includes empowering our network with cutting-edge learning opportunities, which is why we are proud to partner with Deloitte to offer their extensive e-learning platform, the World Class Education Hub. This platform provides a wealth of courses designed to upskill our learners, Ambassadors, and Alumni, offering valuable skills and recognised certifications to enhance their journeys.

Explore the Deloitte World Class Education Hub below.

Deloitte World Class Education Hub
 
 

Heal SA has been instrumental in supporting the mental health of our Ambassadors and Alumni. To extend this service to their learners and colleagues, we created a discreet card design for easy sharing. These were distributed at our last workshop on 27 September 2025. The reception has been very positive, and as exam season approaches, we anticipate they will be invaluable for many learners.  

 
Learn more about Heal SA
 

We are building a movement where you can be a change maker by giving a little to support educational transformation.

Start small, make a difference. 

If you want to make a difference, click on the button below to see how you can join the movement.

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Calling all TEACH SA Alumni!

As TEACH SA marks its 17th year of fostering educational excellence, we want to celebrate the heart of our community – our Alumni!

Help us commemorate this special year by sharing a picture of your cohort, along with your cohort year and a little about where life has taken you.

Let us reconnect and celebrate the powerful TEACH SA network!

Share your stories and where-abouts with us on info@teachsouthafrica.org 

 
 
 

TEACH SA Google Review

 
 

Please consider leaving TEACH SA a review on our Google platform! You can easily do so using the button below or by scanning the QR code.

TEACH SA Google Review
 
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TEACH South Africa

5 Magwa Crescent Drive, Waterfall City 

Deloitte Building 

Contact us on info@teachsouthafrica.org

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