Education-focused digital platforms are stepping in to make help thousands of South African school-leavers find guidance on how to secure places at universities and TVET colleges. One of the most accessible is LeeConnect, a Pretoria-based educational technology non-profit that has launched an app to simplify tertiary applications for just R50.
Founded by Lindelwa Mahlalela, LeeConnect helps learners apply to universities, TVET colleges, apply for bursaries, while providing personalised guidance on course selection and entry requirements. Mahlalela said the app was developed after noticing many learners applied to programmes they didn’t qualify for, often wasting time and money.
“Every year, thousands of learners apply blindly because they don’t know their APS scores or the entry requirements for different courses,” she told Vutivi News.
Through the app, which is available on Google Play, matric learners can see which courses they qualify for and the institutions offering them.
“Some come from areas with no internet, no guidance teachers, and no access to credible information. We created LeeConnect to give them direction, ensure their applications are correct, and help them avoid unnecessary costs,” Mahlalela said.
The R50 service covers guidance on suitable programmes, application support, and follow-ups. Mahlalela said demand peaks between August and January, when learners scramble to secure places for the new academic year.
“The release of matric results usually increases pressure on learners who are unsure of their options. We want young people in townships and rural communities to know that higher education is within reach,” she said.
For many students, the platform has been a crucial stepping stone into higher education.
Harold Maroga, currently completing a postgraduate degree in Supply Chain Management at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), said he discovered LeeConnect on Instagram in 2021 after struggling to navigate the application process.
“Before using LeeConnect, I would apply to institutions without knowing if I met the minimum requirements,” Maroga said.
Maroga described the app as a practical solution for learners preparing to enter higher education.
“You enter your information and the app tells you exactly which universities and courses are right for you. It saves time and prevents you from wasting money on applications you don’t qualify for,” he said.
The Gauteng Provincial Government is also helping learners access their results through the Gauteng Matric Results Online System, allowing them to view 2025 examination results quickly and securely on smartphones, tablets, or other devices.
MEC for the Department of e-Government, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, said the platform empowers learners by providing critical academic information directly and safely.
“This digital platform ensures that matriculants can access their results easily and securely, while maintaining the privacy they deserve as they reflect on their achievements and prepare to take their next steps,” said Dhlamini.
