For the third consecutive year, Evander Gold Mines has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing STEM education and educational equity by sponsoring Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School Grade 12 matric boot camps.

Groceries worth R10 500 were donated on November 5, where representatives of the gold mines officially handed over the food to the school’s board.

Members of the School Governing Body and representatives of the Mpumalanga Department of Education attended the event.
The donation will support matriculants who are currently camping at the school, writing their final exams.

According to Soya Magida, spokesman of the goldmines, the company is deeply rooted in driving sustainable development, and the Evander Gold Mines’ support reflects its broader mission to bridge educational inequality and empower future leaders.

The management team of the gold mines plans to partner with the school to provide matric study guides across all subjects.

According to Magida, these resources will be rolled out over time, allowing the school to have a comprehensive library of study materials. Learners will preserve the study guides for use by future matric classes, creating a cycle of shared academic support.

“Thanks to the Evander Gold Mines, our matric camps are more than just revision sessions – they are a lifeline for learners who face many social and economic challenges,” said Ndivhuwo Tshiswaise, the school principal of Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School.

“We are grateful to Evander Golf Mines for standing by our school and investing in the future of our children.”

The boot camps are organised in close collaboration with the Mpumalanga Department of Education and the local community.

Evander Gold Mines also provided uncooked food parcels. “This unique model not only strengthens academic performance but also supports the broader Evander Community through this upskilling of youth,” said Magida.

“Education is the cornerstone of progress, and by supporting both academic resources and sustainable initiatives like the boot camps, we aim to empower the next generation with opportunities to thrive in a technology-driven world,” said Sebele Pilane, the Human Resources Manager at Evander Gold Mines.

The general manager of Evander Gold Mines, Itumeleng Phoshoko, said: “At Evander Gold Mines, we want to empower learners to reach their full potential and prepare them for the modern world.

“That’s why we are extremely excited to partner with Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary to play a role in moulding our future leaders.”