PROTEC has been chosen as one of three finalists in the annual National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) South32 Awards 2024/2025 – dubbed the ‘Science Oscars of SA’ – in the NGO category. These awards have been recognising outstanding contributions to science, engineering, technology and innovation in South Africa since 1998 while PROTEC has been building the pool of successful STEM careers since 1982.

Balan Moodley, PROTEC’s CEO, says PROTEC is proud and delighted to be counted among the finalists in such a prestigious award. “PROTEC is focused on excellence in STEM support education, and it is with this approach that we have seen over 40 000 young people graduate from tertiary education and take up careers in the STEM sector since inception.

“This recognition by the NSTF South32 Awards committee of the value of our efforts is an encouragement to PROTEC’s staff, tutors and beneficiaries to remain committed to providing our youth with the skills needed to make a difference to the world of tomorrow – one learner at a time.” The NSTF South32 Awards ceremony will be held on 31 July 2025 where 16 awards will be presented to the winners in the various categories at gala dinners taking place simultaneously in Cape Town and Johannesburg, while also being live-streamed. As South Africa’s first-ever science awards, these awards are endorsed by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and include all practicing scientists and other professionals across the national system of innovation. Youth outreach is also an integral part of the overall NSTF awards project and top performing learners in maths and science in Grade 12 are recognised each year through the NSTF Brilliants Programme.

Moodley notes that PROTEC’s Class of 2024 also produced excellent matric results, with the 265 matriculants, primarily from disadvantaged communities, achieving a 99.2% pass rate, an 87% bachelor pass rate and a total of 473 distinctions.

“The fact is that STEM careers are more crucial than ever to the growth of the South African economy. In 1982, when concerned engineers and activists first launched PROTEC in Soweto with the aim of enabling young black students to achieve success in engineering careers, the NGO’s goals and programme were vitally important to the related industries.”

He adds, “Today, with STEM featuring strongly among our country’s scarce skills, PROTEC’s vision – to be a leading organisation that empowers South African youth with optimal scientific, maths, technology, engineering and life skills to access and succeed in STEM-based careers – is as relevant as ever. This recognition by NSTF of the vital role that STEM plays in our national development is crucial to ongoing growth.”

The NSTF vision is for a transformed country where SET and innovation contribute to an optimal quality of life for all, where STEM and innovation education and training are effective, and SET professionals are representative of the population.