23 January 2025, JOHANNESBURG: Against the backdrop of persistent inequality and poverty, which continue to plague the education sector in underserved communities across South Africa, Afrika Tikkun is proud to announce the remarkable achievements of its Matric class of 2024.
The organisation’s after-school programme, Ignite, celebrates a 90% pass rate—outperforming the national average by more than 2%. It also boasts an impressive 61% Bachelor’s admissions rate with 252 distinctions across 459 students from Afrika Tikkun centres in Alexandra, Diepsloot, Orange Farm, Braamfontein, and Mfuleni.
“This year’s Class of 2024 is a shining example of what can be achieved when young people are given the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they deserve. We are incredibly proud of our learners, not just for their academic achievements, but for their resilience and dedication in the face of adversity. Their success is a testament to the transformative power of education and Afrika Tikkun’s commitment to developing leaders of tomorrow,” says Marc Lubner, Executive Chairperson/Acting CEO, Afrika Tikkun.
The organisation’s annual Top Achievers Awards ceremony, to be hosted on 1 February 2025, will not only recognise academic excellence but also celebrate personal growth, leadership, and resilience, reinforcing Afrika Tikkun’s culture of excellence and inspiring future generations to strive for greatness.
Over the past three decades, Afrika Tikkun has made remarkable strides in transforming the lives of thousands of young people through its award-winning, holistic 360° Cradle-to-Career development model. “Our comprehensive approach to child and youth development addresses the needs of each young person at every stage of their lives—from preschool to primary school, high school, and post-matriculation,” says Lubner.
The Ignite Programme provides children between the ages of seven and eighteen with after-school curricula designed to improve the developmental years through adequate education, leadership, arts, sporting, career, and personal development. The programme is just one critical phase of Afrika Tikkun’s sustainable development model.
The model also ensures that its matriculants continue to receive support through the Skills Development Programme. This programme empowers students to pursue higher education or enter the workforce. Exceptional scholars demonstrating academic prowess and commitment are awarded bursaries for their chosen fields of study through a rigorous selection process. These bursaries, supported by Afrika Tikkun’s valued funders, enable young people to unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to SA’s labour market.
“Our programmes culminate in the development of talented and disciplined youths, instilled with good values from an early age. These individuals are brimming with potential and ready to meet the in-demand skills needed from South Africa’s labour pool, ultimately combating youth unemployment,” adds Lubner.
Over the decades, the organisation has become a cornerstone of hope and transformation, reshaping the educational and economic futures of countless young South Africans. Despite significant progress, the challenges within the education sector persist, underscoring the need for collective action.
“The transformation of our education system requires a unified effort,” adds Lubner. “It is only through collaborations and partnerships across sectors—government, corporate, civil society, schools, and higher education institutions—that we can truly enhance the quality of education and create lasting change.”
Lubner concludes, “Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality. The exceptional achievements of our Class of 2024 are a testament to the resilience of our young people and the transformative power of our holistic Cradle-to-Career development model. Together, we can tackle SA’s socio-economic disparities head-on and unlock a brighter future for generations to come.”
For more information, visit www.AfrikaTikkun.org.