Siemens Southern Africa celebrated its partnership with Ingqayizivele High School in Tembisa yesterday.

In line with the Siemens Generation 21 worldwide programme to invest in education, the company has initiated an ongoing partnership with the Gauteng school to provide information technology and science equipment, furniture and stationery.

The company's corporate social responsibility manager, Emily Molefe, said they signed a memorandum of understanding with the Education Department and Ingqayizivele last October. Five schools in the Dinaledi project were evaluated and it was recommended that the company partners with Ingqayizivele.

Molefe said: "Siemens continuously strives for better educational and social performance as sustainable development that impacts positively on the country's growth in science and technology."

The programme is aimed at generating interest in maths and science and encourages pupils to pursue careers in technology.

Another core focus is to improve the learning experience for pupils and, in so doing, hopefully contribute to the quality of academic output. As part of this global initiative, Siemens' approach is to help Ingqayizivele by buying equipment to benefit its 1600 pupils and 47 teachers.

"We will instal 20 personal computers with relevant software, 500 chairs, 300 desks, laboratory equipment and stationery.

"We will also upgrade security with a new CCTV system," said Molefe.

Siemens employees will offer part-time tuition to pupils and teachers in computer skills and human resources. Pupils will also be guided regarding bursaries and tertiary training.