​The Talent Development Programme (TDP) is a joint project between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Stellenbosch University Centre for Pedagogy (SUNCEP). It is a prestigious residential and academic enrichment intervention that aims to bridge the gap between school leavers and universities.

The project aims to achieve the following outcomes: 

• ​Developing Thought Leaders by exposing learners to high-order academic thinking and techniques. 
• Improving academic achievement notably in Mathematics and Physical Science, 
• Supporting top-performing learners to improve opportunities for access to higher education, 
• To encourage an attitude for lifelong learning among learners 
• To encourage learners with potential to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI).​

It provides top performing learners from each province with:

• ​opportunities to engage with high order academic content which is presented by subject specialists in mathematics and physical science;
• a structured academic support programme which is developed and presented by Dr. Sharon Malan from Stellenbosch University, through the Telematics platform. Learners engage with the facilitator on topics such as time management, personal development, planning, study methods, goal setting, etc.
• university access assistance is given by linking learners to all Universities in South Africa, guidance through the application processes, assistance and access with accessing funding, etc.
• access to an environment that enables learners to formulate their Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI) career goals/plan.

The programme hosted 720 top achievers in all 9 provinces during the three 2018 DST holiday schools. Each of the 9 centres consisted of 40 Grade 11 and 40 Grade 12 learners. A tutor ratio of 20: 1 was maintained at each center while ensuring that each center has an ICT hub with university platform access, academic resources and bursary portals.​

NCS 2018 RESULTS

In 2018 three of the TDP learners made the NSC national achievers list of the Departement of Basic Education:

• Quintile 1 schools: Second place: Muzomuhle William Mthembu

• ​Quintile 2 schools: Third place: Bongumenzi Cedric Ndlovu

• Quintile​ 3 schools: Third place: Felicia Makondo

We look forward to another successful academic year!!