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Since its inception in 1987, the Engen Maths & Science Schools (EMSS) programme has been a lifeline for South African learners striving to excel in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, helping to close the country’s STEM skills gap, one learner at a time.
Now, EMSS is entering an exciting new chapter.
In a significant milestone for the long-standing programme, Engen has unveiled a revamped EMSS model built around a modern blended learning approach. Learners across the country attended national onboarding workshops held on 11 April 2026 in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Gqeberha, marking the official launch of this next evolution in learner support.
A new learning experience, built for today’s learners
The nationwide sessions introduced learners to the newly revamped EMSS model, signalling an exciting evolution in how the programme supports academic achievement in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
The refreshed approach embraces a modern, blended learning model, incorporating both in-person engagement and digital learning to enhance accessibility and learner outcomes.
During the workshops, learners were officially onboarded onto the programme’s new Learning Management System, which provides continuous access to educational content, structured assignments and tools to monitor academic progress.
The platform empowers learners to take ownership of their studies through self-paced learning, while ensuring consistent support and engagement throughout the academic year. Participation in EMSS remains highly sought-after. Learners are selected through a rigorous application and assessment process, a reflection of the programme’s commitment to nurturing high-potential learners who are serious about academic excellence and their future.
To further drive a culture of excellence, the programme will also introduce performance-based recognition and incentives for top-performing learners throughout the year. The new platform rewards achievement with tangible rewards, as well as formal recognition, reinforcing a culture of ambition and high performance. EMSS is not simply a support programme; it is a high-performance pipeline designed to inspire learners to reach beyond the minimum and strive for distinction.
The sessions equipped Grade 10 to 12 learners with a comprehensive understanding of the new programme’s structure, expectations and support systems. As part of the experience, learners completed baseline assessments in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, received specialised study materials, and engaged with programme partners and STEM mentors who will guide them throughout their journey.
Engen CSI Manager, Olwethu Mdabula, expressed her excitement about the new model: “We are truly energised by this next chapter for EMSS. The new blended learning platform represents a meaningful step forward, one that modernises how we deliver support while staying true to the heart of what EMSS has always been about. By combining digital innovation with personal engagement, we are giving learners the best of both worlds, and we cannot wait to see the impact this will have on their academic journeys and futures.”
Delivered in partnership with Raizcorp and Advantage Learn, the EMSS programme combines strong academic support with elements of entrepreneurial thinking and innovative digital learning solutions, creating a well-rounded and future-focused learner experience.
Looking ahead, EMSS will go even further. From next year, the programme will introduce dedicated modules in Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship, a bold signal of Engen’s strategic intent to do more than close academic gaps. By exposing learners to the skills and mindsets that will define the future economy, EMSS is positioning its learners not just to succeed in their studies, but to lead in life beyond the classroom.
At its core, EMSS remains focused on strengthening performance in Mathematics and Physical Science, key subjects that open doors to tertiary education opportunities and scarce-skills careers. Through structured support, mentorship and blended learning, the programme empowers learners with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed.
Engen’s commitment to learner development does not end at Grade 12. The company also offers a bursary programme for tertiary studies, extending its investment in the pipeline of future STEM talent well beyond the school gates. Together, the EMSS programme, and bursary offering represent a comprehensive, end-to-end commitment to building South Africa’s next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators from the classroom to the campus and beyond.
With a proven track record spanning close to four decades, EMSS continues to make a meaningful impact by providing free, high-quality supplementary education to Grade 10 to 12 learners across South Africa, helping to address the country’s critical STEM skills gap.
The results speak for themselves
The 2025 EMSS matric cohort achieved a 97% overall pass rate and a 79% bachelor pass rate, a powerful testament to what structured support, quality mentorship and dedicated learners can achieve together.
Attending the Cape Town onboarding workshop, held at Malibu High School, Engen Transformation and Stakeholder Engagement Manager Simlindele Manqina highlighted the significance of the initiative: “EMSS has been a cornerstone of Engen’s commitment to societal transformation, playing a crucial role in addressing critical skills shortages in maths and science, while empowering learners to unlock their full potential and pursue meaningful careers. By investing in quality education, we are not only shaping individual futures but also contributing to South Africa’s broader socioeconomic development.”
The successful rollout of the 2026 onboarding workshops marks not just the beginning of a new academic year, but the start of a new era for EMSS, one that honours close to 40 years of impact while boldly embracing what comes next.
INFO SUPPLIED.