Growing Excellence from the Ground Up
In the heart of Palm Ridge, Katlehong, a grassroots educational initiative is redefining academic support for learners in Gauteng. Phakamisa iKasi Lakho Tutors Academy, founded during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, has grown from a simple act of sibling support into a fully-fledged academy making a lasting impact on township education.
Started by Bongani Khumalo and his twin brother Mbongiseni, the academy began when Bongani went home from university during the lockdown, and he realized the academic gap facing high school learners. What began with tutoring his matric brother quickly expanded to assisting friends, and soon, an entire community of learners was attending sessions. With rising demand, the team secured space from a local parent, turning their informal efforts into a formal academy.
Today, the academy offers tutoring in all subjects (excluding practicals like Consumer Studies), helping learners not just catch up, but excel. They work with qualified teachers and ensure learners stay ahead of the curriculum, building confidence and academic discipline.
Though rooted in Palm Ridge, the academy’s reach extends throughout Gauteng, thanks to online tutoring platforms that accommodate learners from diverse backgrounds. Originally focused on grades 10 to 12, the academy now welcomes students from Grade 1 all the way to matric, showcasing its growing capacity and commitment to inclusivity.
In 2024, the academy marked a major milestone by being able to build permanent classrooms. This investment means more structured learning spaces and room to accommodate even more learners. Another way the academy helps its students', is via their winter camps they hold at Altelekker Youth camp in Centurion every year.
Bongani, a TUT graduate with a National Diploma in Financial Information Systems, plays a vital role in tutoring subjects like Computer Application Technology and Accounting. His brother Mbongiseni, with a background in marketing, ensures the academy continues to grow as a recognizable brand. They were able to make the academy what it is today with the help of Thabo, a TUT final-year student whose contributions cements their vision for expansion.
Their mission is clear: to empower learners beyond academic achievement. They want to see students enter institutions of higher learning, graduate, and break past the limitations often associated with township schooling. “When we tutor a learner, we make sure that when they return to class, they are different” they say. The aim is to have learners that are more informed, more confident, and more prepared.
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| Phakamisa iKasi Lakho Winter Camp Learners 2025 at Altelekker |
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