
Ubombo Sugar Limited (USL) proudly hosted the launch of its STEM Subjects Program at the Ubombo Country Club in Big Bend. The event, expertly hosted by renowned MC Thamsanqa, KrTC Sibandze, marks a significant milestone in USL’s ongoing commitment to educational development.
This innovative program aims to tutor students in STEM subjects, specifically Mathematics, Information Technology, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, targeting students between Form 4 and Form 5. The Project will engage students once a month on weekends and during school holidays at the Ubombo Learning & Development Centre.
Supporting Outstanding Students
The program includes plans to assist students with outstanding performance in sourcing tertiary education bursaries. Additionally, top-performing students may be absorbed into USL’s Apprenticeship and Trainee programs.
Community and Stakeholder Involvement
A dedicated team of 26 volunteer tutors who are part of the Ubombo Sugar Limited management team have been engaged to deliver the lessons. The initiative is supported by key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education & Training, and five school principals.
Selected Schools and Participants
The project involves five local rural schools: Ndzevane High School, Big Bend High School, Nyetane High School, Siphofaneni High School, and Gamula High School. Each school will have six participating students, comprising three boys and three girls, making a total of thirty students.
These schools, situated in the communities surrounding USL in Big Bend, and will benefit immensely from this initiative.
Building Resilient Communities
USL Managing Director, Muzi Siyaya, emphasized the project’s goal of inspiring young minds in STEM, highlighting its critical role in driving economic growth and development.
He shared USL’s vision to expand the project to more schools in the future, aiming to build a robust foundation for future engineers and scientists and address the current shortage of professionals in these fields within the country.
High-Profile Attendance
The launch event was graced by high-ranking government officials, including the Minister of Education and Training, Honourable Owen Nxumalo, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Education & Training, Naniki Mnisi, and Lubombo Regional Administrator Themba Msibi.
Also in attendance were the students, school principals, subject teachers, and school committee representatives from the participating schools.
Recognition and Call to Action
The RA Themba Msibi extended heartfelt thanks to USL for their vision and commitment to the STEM Project, emphasizing its significance in fostering educational and developmental opportunities within the region.
She encouraged other companies to follow USL’s example by investing in similar initiatives, highlighting their importance in enhancing education quality and future prospects for the youth.

Minister of Education’s Address
In his address to the students, Minister, Honourable Owen Nxumalo, emphasised how important it is to take this opportunity seriously. Nxumalo continued: “The world of STEM is full of exciting possibilities and endless potential.
By engaging with this project, you are opening doors to a future where you can be the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Embrace this chance to learn, explore, and challenge yourselves. Your hard work and determination will pave the way for your success and contribute to the prosperity of our nation.”
“I also want to highlight the broader implications of this initiative. By fostering a strong interest in STEM subjects, we are not only addressing the current shortage of engineering and science professionals but also promoting a culture of curiosity and problem-solving. These skills are essential in all areas of life and will serve our students well, regardless of the career paths they choose to follow.”
USL remains committed to building thriving, resilient communities, recognizing that the success of the company is intrinsically linked to the productivity, safety, and sustainability of the communities it serves. By working in partnership with the government and various stakeholders, USL ensures that learners benefit from a range of interventions designed to improve educational outcomes.