The Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT) model of school represents a ‘pocket of excellence’ which should be replicated in disadvantaged communities throughout South Africa. The school was established in 1999 in order to bridge the gap in maths and science studies amongst pupils from disadvantaged communities who would otherwise have not been able to do well in maths and science.

SANRAL is proudly one of the main sponsors of COSAT learners. Ninety learners at COSAT are beneficiaries of the SANRAL Scholarship Programme. As part of the scholarship, the agency is responsible for the learners’ school fees, books and stationery as well as school and sport uniforms.

The first matric class in 2001 set the precedent for the future with a 100% pass rate, an exemption rate of close to 70% and an impressive number of subject distinctions.

This year, the COSAT luncheon organised by SANRAL, honoured all ninety winning learners from the school in Khayalitsha. Guest speakers from around the country came to inspire and motivate the learners and after formal procedures, the learners enjoyed a full three course meal.

Professor Jonathan Jansen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State and foremost educationist in South Africa, was the keynote speaker at the luncheon and had a lot of inspirational advise for the learners to pocket.

Jansen said he believed the major factors that made COSAT so successful were dedication, expertise, passion and a will to succeed, what-ever the odds.

“If schools do not work, our country will not work”

SANRAL CEO, Mr Nazir Alli, also attended and gave a brief word before introducing Jansen.

“It is fulfilling to see our investment in basic education paying off. We are proud of the achievements of our COSAT learners thus far and of all the learners on our scholarship programme who have done well.

SANRAL is committed to playing its role in addressing the skills shortage in our country. We look forward to seeing the learners excel in their chosen fields of tertiary studies. Among them are a number who will be studying engineering next year and will benefit from our bursary programme.

We look forward to further supporting them through our internship programme and ultimately welcoming them to the engineering field.”