100UP – the bedrock of opportunity

The father of South Africa’s rainbow nation, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, once said: “Remember that hope is a powerful weapon even when all else is lost.” 

It’s the same kind of hope and resilient spirit that the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) 100UP programme aims to instil in its participants. The 100UP programme was established in 2011 to address the low number of leaners from under-resourced communities in Western Cape townships, who enter university. It is the flagship project of UCT’s Schools Improvement Initiative (SII).

This July (Mandela’s birthday month), South Africans and people all over the world are spreading the Madiba Magic – celebrating his legacy of peace and justice and his lifelong commitment to non-racialism. The theme for Mandela Month 2024 is: “Recommit communities to unite against poverty and inequality”.

Considering the 100UP programme’s ongoing contribution to building a pipeline of university students who come from marginalised communities, to improve their lives and that of their families, UCT News spoke to two past participants (a student and alumnus) for more on their journey and how the programme contributed to their success.

Chulumanco Magwa – third-year computer science student

“Initially, when my high school, the Centre of Science and Technology, in Khayelitsha selected learners to be part of the 100UP programme, I didn’t make the cut. I wasn’t as academically strong as my peers. But things changed for me in matric. My results improved significantly and before I knew it, I was selected for the programme. My teachers told me they wanted me to be part of a programme that would push me to be the best version of myself – both personally and academically. They believed in me.

“It provided the kind of resources an ordinary learner in Khayelitsha didn’t have access to.”

“And what a journey it was. I met likeminded learners who, like me, really wanted to get into university. And we weren’t picky; we just wanted to get out of Khayelitsha to start building our future. The 100UP programme was the ticket all of us desperately needed. We committed fully and encouraged each other every step of the way.

“The programme was incredibly valuable. It provided me with skills and tools I needed to further excel in my studies, especially my matric exams. It provided the kind of resources an ordinary learner in Khayelitsha didn’t have access to. More than that, I learned valuable life skills and it instilled discipline, respect, and a sense of appreciation. I know high school learners out there feel the same today – serving as a 100UP mentor in Khayelitsha and connecting with the kids proved this first-hand. Like me, they are grateful.

“Thanks to this programme I was able to attend the UCT Open Day. I was given insight into what a successful university candidate looked like and the [requirements] for a strong application, which I used and got in. [The 100UP programme] gave me the opportunity to dream big and to attain those dreams. Thanks to facilitators’ mentorship, guidance and support, I felt empowered to break free from the vicious poverty cycle. Suddenly, I felt like my dreams were in reach. Today they are and it’s largely because of this programme.”  

Allen Toyer – administrative officer in the Faculty of Humanities and social science graduate

“When I was in matric, the 100UP programme reached out to my school, Westridge High, in Mitchell’s Plain. They offered the top 10 learners in the grade a spot on the programme, and I was one of the lucky ones. I attended 100UP lectures every Saturday.

“Let’s just say that everything I needed to know about university, the application process and the grades I needed to get in were covered during those sessions. This was such an eye opener for me. Ever since I can remember, I wanted to go to university. I was just never sure what it would take to get there. The community was warm and welcoming, and the resources the programme provided were great. They might seem minor to the fortunate, but it’s like gold for a child who has very little.

“It saved me from the bad things you read about and watch on the news.”

“I tell people that 100UP empowered me to do something with my life. This is huge, especially for young people living in gang-infested communities like Michell’s Plain. Kids don’t really see a way out. But this programme changed that for me. It saved me from the bad things you read about and watch on the news. As a 100UP mentor, I made a point of reminding participants of this.  

“Today, I am a first-generation graduate, and I would not be here without my 100UP family. They pushed me to achieve my dream. I like to call it my guiding light and it will continue to be as I develop in the workplace and hopefully do postgraduate studies later on.”