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Swiss Ambassador Mirko Manzoni visits Kimberley’s MSLA, praises youth empowerment initiatives

Danie van der Lith|Published

Swiss Ambassador Mirko Manzoni visited the Maths & Science Leadership Academy (MSLA) in Kimberley on October 7, 2025, where he was warmly welcomed by students with the Swiss national anthem and engaged with presentations on digital literacy, social-emotional learning, and global citizenship education.

Image: Supplied

In a day filled with inspiring student testimonies, cultural exchanges, and a unique tour of Kimberley’s historical landmarks, Swiss Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Mirko Manzoni, visited the Maths & Science Leadership Academy (MSLA) on October 7, highlighting the organisation's role in bridging educational gaps for underprivileged youth.

The visit, hosted by MSLA Managing Director Anne Maclean, marked a significant moment for the non-profit academy, which has been empowering learners from Kimberley’s disadvantaged communities since its inception in 2006. Ambassador Manzoni, accompanied by Science and Technology Counsellor Jacquelene Friedenthal from the Swiss Embassy in Pretoria, was welcomed with Swiss flags, a rendition of the Swiss national anthem in German by Grade 9-12 learners, and a heartfelt greeting in Italian: “Cordiale benvenuto, Ambasciatore Manzoni!” The ambassador, impressed by the students' performance, remarked, “Not even people in Switzerland can sing the anthem so well!”

The day's programme began with a sponsored breakfast by Waltie at The Heights Restaurant, where Ambassador Manzoni met MSLA alumni, sponsors, and seven Grade 10-12 learners who shared personal stories of transformation through the academy. Simone van Rooyen, a Grade 12 student from Pescodia High School, spoke of overcoming a crime-ridden environment to earn Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word Expert. “Because of MSLA, I won’t be part of the statistic where youth have less than a 40% chance of success,” she said, emphasising the program's focus on career guidance, leadership, and global citizenship.

Waltie Kleinhans, owner of The Heights Restaurant & Bistro in Kimberley sponsored the group.

Image: Supplied

Other speakers, including Gaorekwe Molusi and Nonhlanhla Nyamagoronga (both Grade 12), highlighted MSLA's impact on academic improvement, life skills, and perseverance. Nyamagoronga, who became a MOS Expert after multiple attempts at the Excel exam, shared, “I learnt you have to work relentlessly for something you really want and always believe in yourself.” Grade 11 student Chaylin Myburgh recounted her 2025 trip to Japan as part of the Sakura Science Exchange Programme, crediting MSLA for enhancing her understanding of mathematics and physical science.

Following breakfast, the group moved to MSLA’s campus at 4 North Circular Road, where 82 Grade 9 learners presented on key programmes. Divided into three classrooms, the presentations covered MSLA’s overview, technology integration, and social & emotional learning (SEL), combined with global citizenship education (GCED). Students demonstrated how MSLA uses SMARTboards, Microsoft 365 Education accounts, and MOS certifications to foster digital literacy and workforce readiness. “We are kids with a digital edge,” one slide proclaimed, underscoring efforts to bridge the digital divide.

A learner is seen delivering a presentation to the group.

Image: Supplied

In the SEL and GCED session, learners discussed the “7 Mindsets” philosophy, emphasising an attitude of gratitude, 100% accountability, and a “live to give” spirit, and showcased MSLA's community outreach projects, where Grade 9 - 11 learners volunteer to make a difference. These included training parents to teach reading, literacy workshops for Grade 4 students (impacting 154 children in June 2025), and career guidance sessions for peers. A standout story came from a student who won the 2022 National Minecraft Build Challenge and volunteered to teach coding to Grade 9s.

Ambassador Manzoni, an architect by background, toured the campus, including its underground tunnels, and expressed admiration for the students' confidence and communication skills. “I would want the MSLA model to be extended throughout the country,” he said, distributing Swiss-flag-decorated cupcakes to the learners.

The afternoon featured a “unique Kimberley experience” aboard a 16-seater taxi driven by Mr Andrew Cupido, with MSLA learners and archaeologist Professor Dave Morris as guides. The tour visited 29 sites, including the Big Hole (the world’s largest hand-dug diamond mine), historical pubs like the Star of the West and Halfway House, the Sol Plaatje Museum, and local high schools. Students provided insights into Kimberley’s “firsts”, such as the first state registration of nurses by Sister Henrietta Stockdale and the origins of the University of the Witwatersrand.

Lunch at The Heights Restaurant included discussions on potential collaborations between MSLA and Swiss companies or universities. The day concluded with a complimentary tour of the Big Hole, Ambassador Manzoni’s first visit to the site.

MSLA, a registered non-profit supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, serves learners from challenging backgrounds, offering academic support, soft skills, and certifications. Sponsors present included the CEO of the Makwande Empowerment Trust (Mr Lwazi Mankahla) and a representative of the German funders, Sr Prudence Cooper (Oakford Dominican Sister).

The visit builds on MSLA’s 2017 hosting of former Swiss Ambassador Helene Budliger Artieda, now Switzerland’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs, who facilitated the connection. As South Africa grapples with youth unemployment and educational disparities, MSLA’s model, blending technology, emotional learning, and community service, offers a blueprint for change, as evidenced by the ambassador’s enthusiastic response.