BETTER LIVES FOR RURAL PEOPLE
THE HANTAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION TRUST is a comprehensive educational and development project situated east of Colesberg in the Great Karoo. Begun as a play school in a disused farm building more than 30 years ago, it has grown into an early learning centre, primary school and intermediate school, housed in a complex built on land donated by a local farmer. The Trust utilises advanced educational methods, including innovative new approaches to achieving basic numeracy and literacy, and helps its learners to complete further education and training. It also manages community health and youth development programmes.
HANTAM NEWS
Yolandi du Plessis appointed as Principal
We are pleased to announce that the Department of Education in the Northern Cape has confirmed the permanent appointment of Yolandi du Plessis as Principal of Umthombo Wolwazi Intermediate Farm School. She succeeds Marié Botha, who retired in June last year. Yolandi has taught at Umthombo Wolwazi for many years, and previously served as Head of Department. Her appointment has been widely welcomed by Trust and school staff as well as the wider Hantam community.
Participants in the hugely successful Professional Chefs course during 2025.
Umthombo Wolwazi choir excels in national championships
The Umthombo Wolwazi choir has done us proud by excelling in the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod held in Johannesburg in early July 2025. Read more >>
HCET Annual Report 2025
We’ve released our Annual Report for 2025. As previously, it provides a vivid and detailed picture of a year in the life of our project. To download a desktop version, click on the image, or click here.
New ECD Centre
The HCET has gained a new ECD Centre. Funded by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), it comprises two classrooms, a play area, and various other facilities, secured behind a palisade fence. Read more >>
HANTAM DIARIES
Moments in the busy life of the HCET over the past three years. Click on the images above.
OUR SIX STEPS TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
STEP ONE:
An early start
Young children benefit from an effective parenting programme, followed by intensive early learning in a dedicated ECD centre.
STEP TWO:
Quality schooling
STEP THREE:
Further education
Successful learners are given bursaries for further education and training, and receive continued guidance and support.
STEP FOUR:
Youth development
Young people who do not continue their formal education benefit from a focused youth development programme.
STEP FIVE:
A healthy community
Learners and their families receive home visits from health workers, and benefit from a community health clinic and pharmacy.
STEP SIX:
Community participation
Parents and other community members support the Trust, and are actively involved in its governance.
HANTAM LIVE
30th anniversary celebrations
On 30 July 2019, we celebrated the HCET’s 30th anniversary with a production of dance and music in the Colesberg High School hall, depicting the journey of children from our humble beginnings to the present.
Thembinkosi's journey
This short video captures the essence of our mission. It traces the life of Thembinkosi Matyeka, who rose from a labourer’s cottage in the district to become junior South African champion welder. As Thembinkosi says, ‘Not bad for a kid from the Karoo!’
The HCET Gumboot Boys
Earlier this month, spectators at the revived Colesberg Sheep Festival were charmed by a troupe of young gumboot dancers from the HCET. They have also won double gold at the Karoo Eisteddfod. Watch and enjoy!
A day in the life ...
An exuberant video about a day in the life of learners and staff at the Hantam Community Education Trust, filmed in early 2026. Background music by Venus and the Fireflies, from our neighbouring town of Molteno.