27 Jul MBOMBELA – A shared commitment to educational excellence
Long-standing Penreach and MMC partnership continues to invest in future scientists, innovators and leaders
MBOMBELA – A shared commitment to educational excellence and a belief in the transformative power of STEM education continue to shape brighter futures for young people in Mpumalanga.
Having been named the winner of the School of the Year category at the 2025 Penreach Teacher Development Workshop (TDW) Awards, Tinkontele Secondary School was rewarded with new classroom technology, proudly sponsored by Manganese Metal Company (MMC). The School of the Year category recognises schools that demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedicated educators and learners, and a commitment to excellence despite the challenges they may face.
To mark the occasion, Penreach and MMC recently handed over a projector, projection screen and interactive writing tablet to the school. These resources will enable more engaging, technology-enhanced lessons while helping learners develop the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
According to Ms Susanna Behrendt, CEO of Penreach, the handover represents far more than a prize.
“For more than a decade, MMC has been a valued partner in transforming education and one of the founding partners of the Penreach Shalamuka STEAM Centre. Together, we are not only celebrating excellence, but actively investing in the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators and leaders.”
Working side by side, the two organisations are committed to ensuring that young people, regardless of their background, have access to quality science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education and the opportunities it unlocks.
According to Mr Teheli Morabe, Acting CEO of MMC, one of Mpumalanga’s leading industrial companies, supporting STEM education is a natural extension of the company’s purpose.
“Science is at the heart of everything we do. Supporting STEM education is where we believe we can make the biggest difference. By investing in education today, we are investing in the future scientists, engineers, technicians and innovators who will strengthen our communities and shape South Africa’s future.”
Tinkontele Secondary School Principal, Mr Bheki Nkosi, said the recognition is an encouragement to keep raising the bar.
“The best way to show our gratitude is to keep improving.”
Both organisations echoed the importance of recognising excellence, saying it is about far more than celebrating achievement.
“For us, recognising excellence is about creating opportunities that inspire schools to keep striving, empower educators to continue making a difference, and equip learners with the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world,” Behrendt and Morabe concluded.