Soshanguve Engineering School of Specialisation: Driving Innovation and Empowering Futures

Department of Education 2025/06/17 - 22:00



Since its launch in 2019, the Soshanguve Engineering School of Specialisation has been a beacon of hope and innovation for learners from Soshanguve and surrounding communities. Focusing on automotive and engineering Specialisation, this no-fee school has consistently produced high academic performers, young inventors and global participants.

In January 2023, the school received the Harry Gwala Award, presented to Principal Amos Tladi Mashiane by Matome Chiloane, MEC for Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation. The award recognised the school's innovations, including a solar locomotive, a wireless electric car charger and a learner-built railway line.

In the past year, the school's electric car project has earned multiple accolades, including "Best Implemented Project of the Year" at the National Batho Pele Awards and recognition at the SOS Festival, where the school placed third in the Engineering category with its electric car project. It was also showcased at a Sandton business gala, attracting valuable partnerships. Internationally, five learners and a mentor represented the school in China at the Shanghai International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp. At the 2024 Eskom Expo, learners secured several medals, with one ultimately winning gold at the International Science Fair.

Academically, the school continued its strong performance, achieving a 99.3% matric pass rate in 2024, its fifth straight year above 95%. Learners also participated in leadership programmes through GIBBS and Columba, further building their personal and professional skills.

The school has embraced modern teaching methods, including an AI-powered welding simulator that offers remote, real-time training. Vocational subjects in mechanical, civil and electrical trades were introduced in Grade 8 and expanded in Grade 9, providing learners with early exposure to practical skills. The school has formed partnerships with BMW South Africa for job shadowing and is currently establishing a coding and robotics hub centre. Additionally, Toyota has donated four L3000 Land Cruiser engines, each valued at R350000.

 A full-time mentor guides learners through projects and entrepreneurship, providing ongoing support for alumni ventures. Collaborations, such as one with the HM Pitje Foundation, brought entrepreneurial training to 100 local youth.

In 2025, the school's momentum continues. All seven learners who entered the Eskom Expo District Competition advanced to regionals. With applications for MerSETA grants to fund multi-certification programmes and continued industry involvement. "Soshanguve SOS is shaping bright, capable and future-ready graduates one project, one learner at a time." Principal Mashiane expressed.

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