Tuition centre supports Durban learners through high-impact programmes
A leading academic support centre is making waves by equipping South African learners with the tools to excel in Mathematics and Physical Science. Horizon Star Academy, established in 2015, offers a structured and enriching environment that bridges the gap between potential and performance.
With a mission centred on 'Inspiring Excellence, Empowering Futures', the academy has built its reputation on values-based education. It provides NSC (DBE) and IEB-aligned tutoring that goes beyond rote learning, fostering critical thinking and confidence through carefully designed interactive sessions.
The academy limits its in-person classes to a maximum of 15 learners, creating a focused and supportive space for academic improvement. This teacher-led model ensures personalised guidance while promoting responsibility, resilience and academic discipline.
Key features of Horizon Star Academy's offering include:
Weekly in-person classes with flexible scheduling options
An exclusive teacher-based tutoring system using experienced educators
Comprehensive cycle test and exam preparation sessions
Smart revision notes and access to a dedicated online platform
Topic-specific past papers and interactive video resources
Intensive trial and final examination workshops included in the programme
Crucially, the centre continues its support even during school holidays, except December, giving learners the consistency they need to stay on track throughout the year.
'We believe in a holistic learning journey,' said Durban branch manager Kidaran Pather. 'That means understanding each learner's individual strengths and challenges, and helping them grow both academically and personally.'
Unlike generic tuition centres, Horizon Star Academy maintains a strong focus on character development. Educators are trained not only to teach but also to model honesty, respect and responsibility, aiming to create well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life beyond the classroom.
The programme's structure caters specifically to the needs of both IEB and DBE learners, with separate classes that mirror each curriculum's demands. This tailored approach has seen many students achieve top results, including distinctions and substantial improvements in their academic confidence.
As Horizon Star Academy continues to grow, it remains committed to providing quality education backed by strong ethical values and innovative teaching methods. Parents looking to support their children's education with a trusted and effective academic partner are encouraged to explore available classes.
The academy's approach proves that with the right support system, every learner can rise to meet their full potential.
Horizon Star Academy Durban branch is situated at 37A Westville Road, Dawncliffe, Westville. Phone: 084 681 3333 or e-mail: [email protected] and visit: staracademy.co.za
Testimonial
Mr Pather is an exceptional educator who consistently goes above and beyond for his learners. His passion for teaching is evident in every lesson, and his unwavering patience ensures that each student is given the time and support they need to fully grasp complex concepts. His teaching style is both engaging and effective, with a strong emphasis on practice and examples, which thoroughly prepares learners for examinations.
Beyond his excellence in the classroom, Mr Pather is a remarkable individual who genuinely cares for the well-being of his learners. He is always willing to listen and offer guidance, no matter the circumstance. I can confidently say that I owe my A in Physics to his outstanding teaching and mentorship.
Ayeesha Siddiqa Khan – learner.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Chinese scholarships awarded to South African students
The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, and the Chinese Embassy hosted a send-off ceremony for South African students who have been awarded Chinese government scholarships for 2025. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The Chinese Embassy in Pretoria hosted a send-off ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate South African students who received 2025 Chinese government scholarships, highlighting the importance of educational cooperation and cultural exchange. The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, congratulated the students on being awarded scholarships sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). A total of 11 South African students received the Chinese government scholarship, while eight students were awarded the Academic Education Programmes scholarship. The students were admitted to top-tier Chinese universities, pursuing degree programmes in fields essential to South Africa's national development, such as cybersecurity, engineering management, biological sciences, and healthcare. Wu encouraged them to immerse themselves in China's rich culture, witness its breathtaking landscapes, and experience the country's modern civilisation, including high-speed rail, digital payments, smart cities, and cutting-edge technologies. "Your experience will prove that choosing to study in China is the right decision," he said. He expressed appreciation to China's partners, including the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Basic Education. "Educational cooperation is an integral part of the China-South Africa All-round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era," Wu said. He said the Chinese government scholarship served as a vital source of momentum for people-to-people exchanges, supporting South African youth in broadening their horizons, enhancing their capacities, and realising their dreams. Thandazo Sithole, one of the scholarship recipients, expressed her excitement about starting her studies abroad. She said she had always dreamed of doing something special, particularly in innovation and technology, and saw this scholarship as an opportunity to pursue her aspirations. Sithole described the scholarship as more than just an academic opportunity, but a chance for access, representation, and rewriting the narrative for African youth. On behalf of her fellow recipients, she said: "We are not just going to China as students, we are going as ambassadors of our country. This is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in a new culture, learn cutting-edge skills, and gain new ideas that can help shape a better world." Sandisa Maqubela, deputy director at the Department of Higher Education and Training's National Skills Fund, said the partnership between the department and China began in 2012 with an agreement to send 10 students to China and Sweden. While she acknowledged the department's value for its strategic partnership with China, she also noted that the current intake of students for 2025 was relatively small. "As the National Skills Fund, we also like to increase the number to the numbers that we previously had. I think pre-Covid we had more than 50 students who were based in China. Our commitment is that we really want to increase the number of young South Africans who are keen to become part of the global economy," she said.
IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
South African students awarded scholarships to study in China
The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, and the Chinese Embassy hosted a send-off ceremony for South African students who have been awarded Chinese government scholarships for 2025. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The Chinese Embassy in Pretoria hosted a send-off ceremony on Tuesday evening to celebrate South African students who received 2025 Chinese government scholarships, highlighting the importance of educational cooperation and cultural exchange. The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, congratulated students on being awarded the scholarships sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). A total of 11 South African students received the Chinese government scholarship, while eight students were awarded the Academic Education Programmes scholarship. The students were admitted to top-tier Chinese universities, pursuing degree programmes in fields essential to South Africa's national development, such as cybersecurity, engineering management, biological sciences, and healthcare. Wu encouraged them to immerse themselves in China's rich culture, witness its breathtaking landscapes, and experience the country's modern civilisation, including high-speed rail, digital payments, smart cities, and cutting-edge technologies. "Your experience will prove that choosing to study in China is the right decision," he said. He expressed appreciation to China's partners, including the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Basic Education. "Educational cooperation is an integral part of the China-South Africa All-round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era," Wu said. He said the Chinese government scholarship serves as a vital source of momentum for people-to-people exchanges, supporting South African youth in broadening their horizons, enhancing their capacities, and realising their dreams. Thandazo Sithole, one of the scholarship recipients, expressed her excitement about starting her studies abroad. She said she had always dreamed of doing something special, particularly in innovation and technology, and saw this scholarship as an opportunity to pursue her aspirations. Sithole described the scholarship as more than just an academic opportunity, but a chance for access, representation, and rewriting the narrative for African youth. On behalf of her fellow recipients, she said: "We are not just going to China as students, we are going as ambassadors of our country. This is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in a new culture, learn cutting-edge skills, and gain new ideas that can help shape a better world." Sandisa Maqubela, deputy director at the Department of Higher Education and Training's National Skills Fund, said the partnership between the department and the People's Republic of China began in 2012 with an agreement to send 10 students to China and Sweden. While she acknowledged the department's value for its strategic partnership with China, she also noted that the current intake of students for 2025 is relatively small. "As the National Skills Fund, we also like to increase the number to the numbers that we previously had. I think pre-Covid we had more than 50 students who were based in China. Our commitment is that we really want to increase the number of young South Africans who are keen to become part of the global economy," she said.
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Africa's first cell and gene therapy startup raises R29 million in landmark funding round
Altera Biosciences, Africa's first dedicated cell and gene therapy startup, has secured R29 million in one of the largest pre-seed funding rounds in South African biotech history. The Cape Town-based company, co-founded by Alexandra Miszewski and Professor Michael Pepper, is developing a universal donor cell platform aimed at revolutionising transplant medicine and advancing treatments for conditions such as diabetes and cancer. The investment round was led by OneBio Venture Studio and E Squared Investments. 'This investment signals a new era for biotech in Africa,' said Pepper, who is the Director of the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Pretoria. 'Africa is the most genetically diverse continent in the world, making it a relevant setting in which to develop advanced therapies.' Miszewski explained that one of the biggest challenges in transplantation medicine is to find a suitable donor-recipient match to prevent rejection of the transplant. 'Rejection occurs when the recipient's immune system recognises the donor's cells as being foreign and mounts an immune response against the transplanted cells.' She explained that Altera is developing 'a universal donor cell platform using gene silencing technology to remove the identity markers on the donor cells that trigger immune rejection.' This, she said, will allow the recipient's body 'to accept the cells as their own, and the problem of rejection is minimised.' Miszewski, an entrepreneur with a background in medical device and biotech startups such as Equine Tendon, Regenesis Vet, and Novita Biotechnology, is a graduate of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship Entrepreneurial Programme. Pepper, who was recently named one of South Africa's top Biology and Biochemistry Scientists, said the universal donor cell platform could allow for off-the-shelf cell therapies suited for genetically diverse populations. 'Many advanced therapies have been developed with a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not be appropriate in a genetically diverse population. By building solutions from a globally diverse genetic foundation, our research has the potential to be more universally applicable from day one,' he said. While Altera has not disclosed which therapeutic areas it will pursue first due to strategic and intellectual property considerations, the company emphasised its commitment to making these technologies accessible in Africa. 'Our vision is global,' said Pepper, 'but we are deeply committed to ensuring these innovations are also accessible to patients in Africa, where access to advanced healthcare is often limited.' The success of the funding round marks a significant milestone for the continent's biotechnology sector, reflecting growing confidence in Africa's potential to contribute to global healthcare innovation. THE MERCURY
