BP in South Africa has announced a R105-million investment over the next six years in a unique youth development programme in support of government’s socio-economic empowerment aspirations.
The investment will see more than 900 gifted grade 10, 11 and 12 learners from rural schools in Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga participate in a specially designed programme to bridge the gap between high school and university, and to create a pipeline of exceptionally talented professionals to take the country forward.
The Targeting Talent Programme provides holistic talent development and aims to counter possible negative influences such as a lack of rigorous curriculum, poorly trained teachers and the absence of successful role models in rural communities. It provides the missing elements that assist learners to aspire to, prepare for, and obtain university enrollment.
Past learners who participated during 2010 and 2011 include Ngoanapedi Mmadikgetho Komane who was named last year’s top national matriculant. Of the 199 learners who participated along with her, 192 successfully matriculated, almost all of them are currently studying at tertiary institutions.
Thandi Orleyn, BP Chairperson says BP is delighted to be part of this programme which has proved to be exceptional in every way.
“Having been a sponsor of the project since its inception in 2010, we have been consistently impressed by its results, which is why we have undertaken to make the initiative BP South Africa’s flagship corporate social responsibility venture for the next decade. The programme is a clear demonstration on BP’s part to actively contribute to the country’s national growth and economic development,” says Orleyn.
During a special ceremony to announce BP’s ongoing support of the programme attended by the Minister of Energy, Dipuo Peters and top academics at Wits University, a number of the students were singled out for honour as top performers.
Dr Loyiso Nongxa, former Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University and custodian of the Targeting Talent programme, described the students as tenacious in their education pursuits and applauded them for their commitment to succeed against all odds.
“These students are among the first in their families to attend university and obtain a degree – something which will change their lives forever. Through BP’s continuous support these learners are much more ready emotionally and academically for what lies ahead at university and have been given all the tools they need in order to reach their full potential,” said Dr Nongxa.
Of the learners from the pilot Wits TTP Programme who matriculated last year, 127 are currently enrolled at various tertiary institutions pursuing their first year of studies – 29% in Science, 27% in Commerce, Law and Management and 24% in Engineering and Built Environment qualifications, 16% in the Health Sciences and 4% in Humanities.
The Minister of Energy, Dipuo Peters applauded BP’s commitment to the project and said it was a step in the right direction to bring about sustainable and meaningful transformation in the liquid fuels industry.
“We expect that corporate South Africa plays a major role in the transformation agenda, and this initiative is an instructive example of how businesses can drive a concerted effort to develop, nurture and sustain black executive talent, targeting especially the youth,” says Peters.
