Capitec Inspires Science and Maths Learners

Capitec inspires science and maths learners at Motshegofadiwa Primary School

Primary school in disadvantaged community north of Pretoria receives maths and science learning materials

On the 22^nd of April, Capitec Bank’s Hammanskraal branch heads over to Motshegofadiwa Primary School to assist with mathematics and science resources. Capitec Bank raised R83 000 to provide science apparatus, chemicals and textbooks for the school, which was a result of the successful Pretoria Color Run 2015.

“The mathematics and science resource needs of Motshegofadiwa Primary School are in line with what Capitec works to achieve through our Capitec Foundation, our corporate social investment (CSI) division which has a particular interest in promoting education in rural areas. Not only did The Color Run bring joy to the participants in this fun run event but also new opportunities and hopes for better education to the learners at Motshegofadiwa Primary School ,” says Capitec Bank spokesperson Charl Nel.

The handover celebration will be addressed by the Principal of Motshegofadiwa, Lebogang Mathaba; the Ward 95 Councilor, Aaron Maluleka; Mr Mohlala from the Department of Education, a spokesperson from Adopt-a-School and Tshepo Mpe from Capitec. On the day, the school will celebrate the handover of the resources by showcasing a few science experiments that they have prepared.

Motshegofadiwa is classified as a primary school (Grade R – 7) that accommodates 960 learners. Located in Stinkwater, 58km north of Pretoria in Gauteng, the school community is characterised by extreme poverty and high levels of unemployment. Despite the lack of physical and educational resources, the school is run by an excellent management team and enthusiastic and passionate educators.

“Capitec is very proud to support this school, not only because of its talented learners who will be inspired to become maths and science aces, but also because of the school’s dedicated teachers and management. They deserve all the support they can get, and we challenge other businesses in the area to support them as well,” says Nel.

Capitec Bank, headline sponsor of The Color Run, has partnered up with Adopt-A-School as part of their CSI programme. R10 of each ticket sold for The Color Run was donated by Capitec Bank to a selected school in need in each area where The Color Run was staged. In Pretoria, proceeds have been used to provide much needed resources to help equip the mathematics and science faculties with the necessary tools to inspire and expose learners to maths and science.

Background on Capitec Bank as headline Sponsor

Capitec has committed to match R10 of every ticket sold to donate to a school in the area who has been identified by an organisation that they have partnered with called, Adopt-a-school.

Last year’s event raised just over R83 000 which was used to upgrade Motshegofadiwa’s science equipment. Another colourful piece we have to share is the partnership with Pretoria creative and mastermind of the Fashion Rebels and Social Market, Maitele Wawe shares his story of creativity, individuality, conviction, love of colour and his freedom of expression.

We asked Maitele how he has harnessed his creativity and talent in life and what steps he took towards building his dreams.

1. We hear you will be supporting the Capitec Color Run – the “happiest 5k on earth” – in Pretoria on Saturday 14 May. What appeals to you about Color Run?

The Colour run appeals to me as I am one who completely understands and lives for what it stands for. Happiness and individuality are qualities which I hold highly in my life and always try to seek out in the people I meet and interact with. The element of the different colors also brings about a certain feeling of freedom and the event itself gives us as youngsters an opportunity to get down-and-dirty for a good cause.

2.       Pretoria is your creative stomping ground. It’s where you give expression to your fashion and colour creativity and where you run The Fashion Rebels and The Social Market. Do you feel that Pretoria needs an injection of colour and inspiration, do you think it’s already there?

I definitely believe that creativity and colour are slowly spreading through our city but this is only shown through a handful of creative individuals such as myself. In most parts of Pretoria, screaming ‘colour’ and ‘individuality’ through fashion is still a taboo and for that reason I’m certain that as The Fashion Rebels, in creating The Social Market, we infuse the city with that inspiration every day by giving people a place where they can allow the colors within them to shine through.

3.       One of Capitec’s themes at Color Run is to take a step in life to live better. They talk about how we can all be freer if we take control and take a step towards creating a better life for ourselves and others. Ironically, control gives you freedom. Do you find that this philosophy true for your own life? At some point you must have decided to take a step towards building something that would give you freedom of creativity and expression. Can you tell us about the active steps have you have taken in your life to overcome challenges and to become a style icon, community builder and creative champion?

Yes, I agree with the philosophy and live it in my own life. I had to look at my inner-self and not be pushed into following the crowd, I did a lot of research to feed my passion and confirm for myself whether I was indeed an icon amongst my peers and the revelation of that fact confirmed to me that I could use my influence as a tool in bringing together a creative community.

4.       What advice can you give other people out there about how to go about following their dreams like you did?

I would advise people to never allow doubt and insecurity to cloud their passion and dreams. Believing in your dream and that you can achieve it plays a very important role when working towards realizing your destiny.

5.       What inspires you to be creative?
The power of influence, and knowing how many people’s lives you can touch through embracing your creative elements.

6.       Why do you love about colour and why do you think it is important in life?

Colour allows us to express our emotions. I may not necessarily wear a certain colour but it plays a big role in screaming a bold message to anyone who encounters you.

7.       Are you and your Fashion Rebels all going to Color Run? Give us a hint of what you’re planning to wear.

YES! We will be supporting the cause and taking part in the festivities of the day. We never really plan our outfits ahead but rather use the theme and the emotions behind that day to decide what to wear. In this event it should be an exciting experience putting our gear together!