About the Supplementary Education Trust
The Supplementary Education Trust (SET) was founded in 2009 and is dedicated to giving disadvantaged learners from under-resourced communities the opportunity to excel in STEM subjects. South Africa faces a significant gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) skills, driven by deep-seated educational inequalities. Learners in under-resourced communities often lack access to quality instruction, structured academic support, and exam preparation crucial for university entrance - especially in STEM subjects. This disparity hampers efforts to develop a skilled workforce vital for national development and innovation.
Bright and capable learners in these communities frequently fall behind due to the lack of supplementary tuition. Without targeted intervention, many fail to meet matric requirements or qualify for university, perpetuating cycles of poverty, unemployment, and socio-economic disparity.
We believe that quality education should not depend on economic circumstances, and we work to bridge that gap through targeted, high-impact learning support.
The STEM Incubator Programme offers structured Saturday and holiday tuition aligned with the CAPS curriculum for Grades 10 - 12. The programme emphasizes core STEM subjects - Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Agricultural and Life Sciences - alongside English, with a focus on examination readiness and practical understanding.
SET operates entirely on donations and sponsorships, with every contribution directed to its core mission. We partner with Star Schools, a leading education provider, to deliver expert tuition, quality learning materials, and innovative technology. This partnership keeps administrative costs minimal, sees to it that learners receive the best available resources, and allows us to provide donors with regular progress reports. Sponsors also benefit from SET’s Level 1 B-BBEE status and can receive full beneficiary breakdowns for scorecard purposes. Together, we are building pathways to opportunity, equity, and long-term impact.
For more information on Star Schools click here…..
The Supplementary Education Trust (SET) was founded in 2009 and is dedicated to giving disadvantaged learners from under-resourced communities the opportunity to excel in STEM subjects. South Africa faces a significant gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) skills, driven by deep-seated educational inequalities. Learners in under-resourced communities often lack access to quality instruction, structured academic support, and exam preparation crucial for university entrance - especially in STEM subjects. This disparity hampers efforts to develop a skilled workforce vital for national development and innovation.
Bright and capable learners in these communities frequently fall behind due to the lack of supplementary tuition. Without targeted intervention, many fail to meet matric requirements or qualify for university, perpetuating cycles of poverty, unemployment, and socio-economic disparity.
We believe that quality education should not depend on economic circumstances, and we work to bridge that gap through targeted, high-impact learning support.
The STEM Incubator Programme offers structured Saturday and holiday tuition aligned with the CAPS curriculum for Grades 10 - 12. The programme emphasizes core STEM subjects - Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Agricultural and Life Sciences - alongside English, with a focus on examination readiness and practical understanding.
SET operates entirely on donations and sponsorships, with every contribution directed to its core mission. We partner with Star Schools, a leading education provider, to deliver expert tuition, quality learning materials, and innovative technology. This partnership keeps administrative costs minimal, sees to it that learners receive the best available resources, and allows us to provide donors with regular progress reports. Sponsors also benefit from SET’s Level 1 B-BBEE status and can receive full beneficiary breakdowns for scorecard purposes. Together, we are building pathways to opportunity, equity, and long-term impact.
For more information on Star Schools click here…..
The current trustees of the Supplementary Education Trust are:
Mahlako Mahapa (Chairperson)
Mahlako Mahapa is a seasoned South African entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience across the wholesale, sports retail, transport and logistics sectors. She is the co-founder of Selaki Sports & Leisure (Pty) Ltd, where she developed a wide-ranging skill set while helping grow the company from inception. She also co-founded the sports and lifestyle clothing brand MonFlair , a proudly South African that has gained traction within the local football and running communities.
Expanding beyond retail, she went on to solely establish Maina SA (Pty) Ltd, a transport and logistics company. This move reflects her agility and expertise in building sustainable, impact-driven enterprises across diverse industries.
She holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science (BCompt) from UNISA and an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) at the University of Pretoria. As part of her accolades, Mahlako was selected for the Goldman Sachs–GIBS 10,000 Women Business Leadership Programme, a global initiative that supports women entrepreneurs through education and networking.
She is also a member of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO)—a global peer advisory network for women-owned businesses with mature revenues.
Mahlako is a versatile, forward-thinking leader who thrives in dynamic environments. Her ability to think both analytically and creatively supports her core strength: solving complex business challenges through innovative strategies.
Jacques De Villiers (Trustee)
Jacques de Villiers began his career at Ernst & Young Johannesburg, where he completed his articles in 1995. He then joined De Villiers Myburgh Inc., a medium-sized accounting firm, where he advanced to the role of Managing Director. After gaining valuable commercial experience as Financial Director and later Chief Executive Officer of a listed company, Jacques returned to his core passion—auditing and financial consulting—resuming leadership as Managing Director of De Villiers Myburgh Inc.
He later served as Managing Director of Kreston Johannesburg and Chief Executive Officer of Kreston SA, a national network of audit firms, until its merger with Nexia SAB&T in June 2022. Jacques currently holds the position of Director in the External Audit division at Nexia SAB&T and is the registered auditor for several companies, including JSE-listed entities. He brings expertise in owner-managed businesses and complex group structures.
In addition to his audit responsibilities, Jacques serves as a director of various companies. With a Certificate in Advanced Trust Law, he also acts as trustee and independent trustee on multiple trusts.
South Africa’s shortage of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills limits economic growth and keeps youth unemployment high, especially in under-resourced communities. The Supplementary Education Trust’s Saturday Tuition Programme bridges this gap by providing Grade 10-12 learners with expert tuition in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and English, all aligned with the national CAPS curriculum. Through consistent academic support, mentorship, and career guidance, we help students improve their matric results, qualify for university STEM programmes, and gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to break the cycle of poverty.
Section 18A Certificate Benefits
Partnering with the Supplementary Education Trust (SET) transforms lives while offering sponsors meaningful financial advantages. As a registered Public Benefit Organisation, SET can issue Section 18A tax certificates, enabling donors to claim deductions of up to 10% of taxable income. Contributions also align seamlessly with CSI priorities in education and youth development, while enhancing an organisation’s reputation for social responsibility. Sponsors receive official receipts, impact reports, and public recognition, ensuring every donation delivers measurable value for communities and businesses alike.
Partnering with the Supplementary Education Trust (SET) transforms lives while offering sponsors meaningful financial advantages. As a registered Public Benefit Organisation, SET can issue Section 18A tax certificates, enabling donors to claim deductions of up to 10% of taxable income. Contributions also align seamlessly with CSI priorities in education and youth development, while enhancing an organisation’s reputation for social responsibility. Sponsors receive official receipts, impact reports, and public recognition, ensuring every donation delivers measurable value for communities and businesses alike.
B-BBEE and CSI Benefits for Sponsors
By supporting the Supplementary Education Trust’s STEM Incubator Programme, sponsors can earn valuable B-BBEE points while driving real change in education. Contributions qualify under Skills Development by funding accredited STEM training for Black youth, and under Socio-Economic Development by directly benefiting over 75% Black learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme also aligns with key Corporate Social Investment priorities, including youth empowerment, skills development, and community upliftment, making every sponsorship both a strategic business investment and a powerful tool for social transformation.
By supporting the Supplementary Education Trust’s STEM Incubator Programme, sponsors can earn valuable B-BBEE points while driving real change in education. Contributions qualify under Skills Development by funding accredited STEM training for Black youth, and under Socio-Economic Development by directly benefiting over 75% Black learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme also aligns with key Corporate Social Investment priorities, including youth empowerment, skills development, and community upliftment, making every sponsorship both a strategic business investment and a powerful tool for social transformation.
SET seeks partnerships with organisations that share its passion for the education of poor and needy learners.
The following companies have donated to/sponsored the trust:
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