MEDIA RELEASE
21 November 2006

SAPREF and BP pull together in a science education investment in Umlazi

SAPREF and one of its shareholders BP have joined forces to establish a R200 000 science laboratory in Umlazi. The laboratory, which is being officially launched today, will be used by 10 schools in the area.

The project involved converting a classroom at the Zwelihle High School into a fully-kitted science laboratory, with work benches, cupboards, Bunsen burners and science kits for Grade 4 to 12 learners. The latest technology has been applied in equipping the laboratory.

According to the Centre for Development and Enterprise, 2004 - “Inadequate mathematics and science education is probably the single biggest obstacle to African advancement in the country. It impacts severely on the development of high-level skills in the workforce and thus limits economic growth”~ Centre for Development and Enterprise, 2004.

Speaking on behalf of SAPREF, Lora Rossler, SAPREF’s sustainable development manager, said that the National Business Initiative recently reported that only 5.2% of learners achieve a higher grade pass in mathematics and this creates a shortage of school-leavers with university entrance passes in mathematics resulting in a very limited pool of learners who are able to study Maths, science and technology based courses such as engineering, financial management etc at university level. Basic numeracy, mathematical, scientific and technological skills are critical for further learning and the world of work. Learners who are competent in these skills are able to engage in effective post-school learning across a wide range of learning fields.

Current figures show that nationally 50% of secondary schools do not offer HG mathematics and there is a critical teacher shortage with an estimated shortfall of 32 000 teachers by 2008. This is due to the fact that only 5 – 6 000 teachers qualify per year. Another critical factor facing public schools is the fact that only 15% of Maths teachers are qualified to teach the subject.

The majority of schools that offer mathematics and science have poorly equipped laboratories and facilities for promoting effective teaching and learning. The development of this Science laboratory will clearly contribute to addressing a great need and will allow schools in this area to develop their Maths and Science teaching. .

Rossler said: “This is a great example of what can be achieved when industry joins forces with government departments and makes strategic and sustainable social investments. Education is a particularly key area to invest in as it provides long-term benefits both socially and economically. We hope to identify more initiatives where public private partnerships can be implemented in the future in neighbouring communities.”

Advocate Rams Ramashia, BP chairman said the company was committed to development through education linking in line with BP’s global three pillars of corporate social investment: Education, Entrepreneurship and the Environment.

“ We are particularly pleased that such an initiative has enabled the local high school network to provide science teaching, an area in school education that is critical to successful advancement of children into oil-sector related careers”, said Ramashia.

For further information please contact:

Prudence Mbatha
Communications Officer
SAPREF
Tel: (031) 480 1303
Fax: (031) 468 1111
Email: mbathap@sapref.com