By Palesa Ndinisa
On June 5, 2025, an exciting new chapter in educational empowerment unfolded as Rectron, a prominent technology company, joined hands with Assar Maloka Secondary School in Duduza, South Africa. This partnership culminated in the donation of a brand-new computer lab aimed at bridging the digital divide in lower-income communities. The state-of-the-art lab is part of Rectron’s ambitious ‘Progressive Educational Upliftment’ (PEU) program, which launched in 2022 with a clear mission: to enhance technology education for South African youth and foster digital literacy that will empower students for a successful future.
The unveiling event saw participation from an array of key stakeholders, including Somikazi Chabalala, the District Director of Education for Gauteng East; Kutlwano Rawana, Chief of People at Rectron; Spencer Chen, Rectron’s CEO; and Mr. Sehume, the school’s dedicated principal. These leaders collectively recognized the transformational potential of the new facility. “This computer centre is more than just a room full of high-tech gadgets,” Mr. Sehume noted passionately. “It’s a hub where students can dive into everything from coding and graphic design to video editing and digital literacy. Whether it’s gaming, programming, or robotics, this center opens up a world of possibilities.”
Equipped with 41 compact and cutting-edge computers, the ‘Rectron Technolab’ offers students hands-on experience that will not only enhance their learning but also better prepare them for the demands of a technology-driven world. Notably, under Mr. Sehume’s leadership, the school has seen a remarkable increase in its pass rate, shooting up from 84% in 2023 to an impressive 94% in 2024.
“Our core value revolves around improving lives,” shared Rawana during the event. “Through our PEU initiative, we’ve empowered over 7,000 learners by providing them with access to technology in their schools. Enhancing educational opportunities for youth is at the heart of what we do.” This commitment aligns with a broader effort to increase the quality and accessibility of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in underserved communities throughout South Africa.
Chabalala echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how this initiative ties into the department’s vision to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the curriculum. “With our ambitious goals to enhance educational infrastructure, this partnership is an essential step in ensuring that students are not only equipped with the latest tools but also develop the necessary skills essential for the 21st century,” she said. Chabalala is optimistic about the future of education in these communities, particularly with Assar Maloka’s status as one of the top-performing township schools in Gauteng East.
Zamokuhle Lekata, a spirited Grade 9 student at the school, voiced her excitement about the new facilities. “I started robotics in Grade 8, and we won a competition last year! With Rectron’s support, I believe we will achieve even greater things. I’m grateful that they are helping us enhance our understanding of technology, which is such an integral part of our lives,” she shared.
This inspiring collaboration not only represents a significant leap forward in educational opportunities for students in Duduza but also highlights the role that public-private partnerships can play in making a tangible difference. As Rectron continues to lead initiatives designed to uplift education in South Africa, communities across the country are filled with hope for a brighter, tech-savvy future.
#SouthAfrica #Technology #Education #BusinessNews #CommunityEmpowerment
