The quality of education begins with empowered teachers. To help strengthen Mathematics and Natural Sciences teaching in South African classrooms, the Sasol Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE), has launched the InterSen Teacher Capacity Building Programme in the Fezile Dabi Education District.
The three-year programme was launched in Parys on 28 September 2026, with 50 Grade 8 and 9 Mathematics teachers participating in the first week-long training programme. In 2027, the initiative will expand to include 50 Natural Sciences teachers from the district.
Fezile Dabi is one of four pilot districts taking part in the programme, alongside Gert Sibande, Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Alfred Nzo West. Together, these districts are expected to reach around 400 teachers and departmental heads, as well as approximately 30 district subject advisors.
The programme focuses on building teachers’ confidence and capability to deliver CAPS-aligned Mathematics and Natural Sciences lessons. Through a partnership between the Sasol Foundation, CASME and participating education districts, teachers will be supported to strengthen subject knowledge, adopt practical and inquiry-based teaching approaches, and make effective use of digital learning tools.
According to Tshamani Mathebula, Head of the Sasol Foundation, investing in teachers creates a foundation for long-term educational improvement.
“The InterSen Teacher Capacity Building Programme reflects the Sasol Foundation’s commitment to strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education through targeted teacher development, effective district support and sustainable improvements in classroom practice.“
A key feature of the programme is its focus on instructional leadership. Departmental heads and district subject advisors are being equipped with practical skills to support teachers, strengthen curriculum implementation, improve classroom practice and use learner performance data to guide targeted interventions.
By developing leadership capacity at both school and district level, the programme aims to ensure that improvements in teaching practice continue long after formal training sessions have been completed. The first of five instructional leadership modules has already been delivered across the four pilot districts, with the remaining modules to follow during future phases of implementation.
The InterSen programme is designed to address persistent challenges in learner performance by strengthening teachers’ subject knowledge, pedagogical skills and classroom practice. At the same time, it seeks to build stronger support systems within education districts, contributing to more sustainable improvements in STEM education and better learning outcomes for young South Africans.
At Sasol, we believe that empowering educators today helps unlock opportunities for learners tomorrow. Through partnerships that strengthen teaching and learning, we continue to support quality education and contribute to developing the skills needed for South Africa’s future.
