The gala celebration hosted by PROTEC in August recognised the massive contribution that the NPO’s donors and other stakeholders have made to the growth of successful careers in STEM fields – and it highlighted their aim to deliver even greater impact going forward.

The dinner, held at the Protea Hotel Wanderers in Johannesburg, was a glittering event of appreciation for work done and hope for the future. It celebrated the value being added by committed and loyal donors, the contribution by government and provincial departments, the support of PROTEC alumni, the achievements of the matric class of 2023, the loyalty of long-service staff members, and it introduced PROTEC’s 5-year strategy from 2023 to 2028.

Fannie Matumba (PROTEC GM Operations), Anna Maria Mkhize (PROTEC Tongaat Assistant Branch Manager), Antony Hlungwane (Chairman of PROTEC Board), Reggy Zikalala (PROTEC Board Member and Alumni Chairman) and Francois Adriaan (PROTEC Board Member and Fincom Chairman)

Francois Adriaan, PROTEC Board Member, welcomed the guests who included donors, government representatives, teachers and facilitators, members of civil society, past and present board members, PROTEC management and staff, and most importantly, the high achievers in the Class of 2023 and their proud parents. He acknowledged the 42 years that PROTEC has been building STEM careers and said, “What started with 67 learners in 1982 has now reached over 40 000 learners who have been supported in their efforts to succeed beyond school and into STEM fields. This in itself is cause for celebration, but added to that is PROTEC’s next big step towards adding a further 200 schools to the programme – an exciting project that is loading as we speak.”

Fannie Matumba (PROTEC GM Operations), Antony Hlungwane (Chairman of PROTEC Board) and Dudu Ngoepe (PROTEC Snr Project Operations Manager)

In his opening address, PROTEC Chairperson and a PROTEC alumnus, Anthony Hlungwane, outlined the strategy. “While our model has served us well for decades and we will continue to introduce innovative programmes and platforms to stay abreast of digital megatrends, we are adjusting our focus to ensure we produce critical thinkers with the know-how and soft skills to navigate the evolving future world of work.”

Mr Baloyi (Karabo` s Father), Antony Hlungwane (Chairman of PROTEC Board), Francois Adriaan (PROTEC Board Member and Fincom Chairman), Karabo Baloyi ( Student), Reggy Zikalala (PROTEC Board Member and Alumni Chairman) and Mrs Baloyi ( Karabo’ s Mother)

He said PROTEC’s strategy includes:

• Expanding outreach to increase presence in underserved communities, using a combination of channels and partnerships. Technology will play a pivotal role in achieving this. Critical here too, he stated, is the need to address the digital divide that exists in this country and further afield on the continent.
• Strengthening partnerships. “PROTEC cannot do this on our own and we will continue to build partnerships with more industry leaders and stakeholders – corporates, educational institutions, government – because ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. To all of you, it takes all of us to partner to raise the youth of our country.”
• “We are implementing initiatives and practices to promote sustainability in PROTEC by diversifying funding sources, investing in technology, embracing innovation and adaptability, cultivating a loyal donor base, investing in staff development, ensuring good governance, encouraging a culture of giving, and ensuring effective measuring and evaluating of impact.”
• Building a stronger alumni network to support learners, graduates and all alumni in their professional and life journey.

Francois Adriaan (PROTEC Board Member and Fincom Chairman), Reggy Zikalala (PROTEC Board Member and Alumni Chairman), Nosipho Ngcobo (Student) and Antony Hlungwane (Chairman of PROTEC Board)

Academic excellence

The top learners in the Class of 2023 were applauded and presented with awards in recognition of their hard work, dedication, and resilience. Hlungwane reminded them that they had made PROTEC, their teachers and facilitators, and their parents very proud.

Awards were presented to:

1. Top learner overall: Karabo Baloyi from PROTEC GE Ivory Park, who attended Tsosoloso Ya Afrika Secondary School. She achieved the top maths award (98%), joint top science award (93%) and seven distinctions.
2. Andile Xaba from PROTEC Tongaat, who attended Sacred Heart Secondary School, achieved the joint top science award and seven distinctions.
3. Somnotho Mzolo from PROTEC Altron Soweto, who attended Bona Comprehensive School, achieved seven distinctions.
4. Hannah Ponen from PROTEC Stanger, who attended Stanger Manor Secondary School, achieved seven distinctions.
5. Sibusiso Dlamini from PROTEC Altron Soweto, who attended Fons Luminis Secondary School, achieved the top English award (89%).
6. Nosipho Ngcobo from PROTEC Tongaat achieved seven distinctions.

Antony Hlungwane (PROTEC Board Chairman), Sibusiso Dlamini (Student), Francois Adriaan (PROTEC Board Member and Fincom Chairman) and Reggy Zikalala (PROTEC Board Member and Alumni Chairman)

Long-service awards

Two 25-year service awards were presented:

• Anna-Maria Mkhize has served PROTEC for 29 years in the Tongaat Branch, where she is Assistant Branch Manager. She says her journey has been enriched by diverse roles and experiences, shaping her into a results-orientated and compassionate leader.
• Elzabe Matthews joined PROTEC Umbogintwini in March 1995 as Branch Manager. She thanks the donors who have enabled the branch to continue operating through the years and is proud of the learners who have completed the programme and are now taking their place in society.

Fannie Matumba (PROTEC GM Operations), Somnotho Mzolo (Student) and Alida Stegmann (Lead: Employee Relations, Altron Group)

Three 10-year service awards were presented:

• Balan Moodley joined PROTEC in 2010, progressing from Financial Manager to CEO in 2015. He is a Wits University graduate with a BCom and spent eight years in the aviation industry before joining PROTEC.
• Fannie Matumba joined PROTEC as GM Operations in 2013. He has a Secondary Teachers Diploma, a BEd (Hons) in Computer Integrated education, a BA in Theology and a Master’s in Biblical Theology. He also holds positions at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Gauteng Department of Education’s Curriculum Directorate, and Soweto’s Forte High School as Technology Head of Department.
• Duduzile Ngoepe joined PROTEC in 2005 as Project Coordinator and progressed to her current position as Senior Project Manager, overseeing nine projects in six provinces. She has an honours degree in Education and was a research assistant and university lecturer before joining PROTEC.

In his closing notes, Balan Moodley, PROTEC CEO, acknowledge the multifaceted contributions that have enabled PROTEC to make such a tangible difference in so many lives, and in turn, on communities and the country. “The accomplishments celebrated at the gala event are a testament to the power of collaboration and the human spirit. Thank you to all for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to welcoming new partners and collaborators to this mission. Let’s continue to empower, educate and uplift our young people.”