Umthombo Wolwazi offers academic support and extension to the brightest young women from four surrounding Cape Town schools: Cape Town High School, Good Hope Seminary, Harold Cressy High School and Trafalgar Secondary School.
From more than 100 applicants, 30 exceptional Grade 10 students have been selected through rigorous English and Mathematics assessments.
Vision
Our vision is to empower and uplift young women in underserved communities and schools by providing a leading senior secondary education, fostering a generation of confident, innovative and socially conscious female leaders who will drive positive change in South Africa and beyond through their skills and contributions. We envision a future where every girl can achieve her full potential, breaking cycles of inequality through access to quality education and mentorship.
Mission
Our mission is to equip young women with the academic strength, skills and self-belief required to succeed in higher education, pursue meaningful careers and emerge as socially conscious leaders who will contribute to South Africa’s economic and social future.
Programme
Duration:
A three-year programme supporting students through Grades 10, 11, and 12, culminating in preparation for their final matric exams.
Curriculum:
Core Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English
Weekly sessions:
Saturdays 08:30 to 13:00 (32 weeks a year)
What each student receives
Academic extension lessons with highly experienced teachers
Access to outstanding school facilities and quality resources
Transport to and from the school from a central Cape Town location
Breakfast on arrival each morning, and a packed lunch
University and bursary application guidance in Grade 12
Guiding commitments to our
Umthombo Wolwazi students
Bold dreams, disciplined work
Match big aspirations with consistent study, timely feedback and continual improvement.
Excellent teaching and access to resources
High-quality teaching, enriched materials and access to the tools students need to excel.
Partnership and accountability
A sustained collaboration between schools, families, donors, teachers and students – supported by a dedicated liaison coordinator ensuring progress and care.
The opportunity
When a student enters an enriching environment, her confidence expands, her ambition sharpens and her future identity transforms.
We invite you to imagine a near future in which these Umthombo Wolwazi students, supported by a network of dedicated teachers, donors, parents and mentors, graduate from tertiary study and step into roles as engineers, doctors, actuaries, accountants or whatever their chosen path – becoming leaders who contribute to South Africa’s growth and prosperity. That future begins today, with our shared commitment to excellence, partnership and opportunity.
Growth plan
Over the first three years (2026-28), we aim to guide our founding class of 30 girls through the complete Grade 10 to Grade 12 journey, as our first full cohort of STEM-ready graduates. Alongside them, 60 more talented students will be enrolled in the Grade 10 and Grade 11 phases, steadily building a strong, sustainable talent pipeline.
The scale
30 students in 2026
60 students in 2027
90 students in 2028
Today marks a moment of courage, possibility and partnership … the inception of a vision that will uplift not only this generation of girls, but generations to come. We do not believe in limits here. We believe in preparation, persistence and partnership. The world needs bright engineers, actuaries, chartered accountants, doctors and leaders of every sector.”
Partner with us
The foundation is secure. The model is designed. The talent is present.
To bring this vision to fruition, we’re seeking funding from partners who share a commitment to investing in social mobility through education.
We invite you to invest in a high-impact, three-year partnership that transforms individual trajectories and strengthens South Africa’s economic future.