The initiative, funded by RMA in partnership with the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), the North West Provincial Department of Education, and Northam Platinum Mines, represents a multi-million-rand commitment aimed to strengthen science, technology, engineering, accounting and mathematics (STEAM) capabilities among learners in rural and underdeveloped areas, says RMA.

As part of RMA's broader Social Insurance mandate, the project aims to highlight the organisation's commitment to social impact, particularly in communities where access to high-quality STEAM education remains limited, adds RMA.

Nationally, South Africa continues to face a significant shortage of technical and analytical skills. According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, occupations in engineering, ICT, financial services and related technical fields consistently rank among the country's top scarce skills, says RMA. 

Industry research reveals that South Africa faces a critical STEAM skills gap, with over 60% of companies reporting shortages as a major barrier to growth and transformation. At the same time, only 13% of university graduates pursue STEAM fields, leaving, for instance, a 70 000 person deficit in ICT. This shortage threatens economic development and requires urgent educational, training and industry interventions, adds RMA.

This programme aims to directly address this gap by providing targeted academic support, digital learning access and structured career guidance to 150 learners in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase. The programme focuses specifically on students who study mathematics, physical sciences and accounting — subjects that form the backbone of South Africa's future technical workforce, says RMA.

Delivered by Primestars, a national leader in youth development programmes, the initiative includes: 

  • structured weekend academic classes, supported by baseline assessments, revision sessions and continuous learner tracking
  • digital and blended learning, including access to Primestars' online platforms and supplementary content
  • career guidance and exposure, connecting learners to real opportunities in the STEAM sector
  • learning support enablers, such as printed materials and programme coordination, and
  • access to Northam Eland Mine's bursary and educational programmes, creating meaningful opportunities for tertiary study and employment.

Speaking at the launch, Thulani Sibeko, COID of RMA and CEO of Social Insurance emphasises the organisation's long-term commitment to building a future-ready workforce, says RMA.

"South Africa's economic resilience depends on our ability to grow a strong pipeline of technical and analytical talent. Yet, too many young people, especially in rural communities, are excluded from opportunities simply because they lack access to quality STEAM education," says Sibeko.

"Through this investment, and in partnership with INSETA, the North West Department of Education, Primestars and Northam Platinum Mines, we are helping to close that gap. Our goal is to ignite learners' passion for STEAM careers and equip them with the capabilities our economy urgently needs," adds Sibeko.

The launch event also includes a stakeholder walk-about at Botlhabelo High School, aimed at providing partners with firsthand insight into the school's infrastructure needs, including connectivity, science laboratory capacity and learning resources. This forms part of a broader effort to identify opportunities for additional support beyond the core programme, says RMA.

"This initiative is not just about academic performance; it is about opening doors to dignity, unlocking potential and empowering long-term economic participation. By investing in these learners today, we are investing in the future of our sector and our country," says Gabby Nxumalo, Chief: People and Brand at RMA.

The STEAM Project forms part of RMA's expanding portfolio of social impact programmes, designed to uplift communities, strengthen resilience and support South Africa's long-term development priorities, concludes RMA.

For more information, visit www.randmutual.co.za. You can also follow RMA on Facebook, LinkedIn, X.

*Image courtesy of contributor