Kagisho Masae (Matric Live): How Tech is Changing Education in South Africa | Mashstartup Podcast

Matric Live is a mobile-first learning platform that has supported over 600,000 high school learners — the majority from under-resourced communities — with free, accessible, and engaging tools to prepare for matric. Built by co-founders Kagisho Masae and Lesego Finger, the platform is reshaping how South African students experience education, and was recently crowned FNB App of the Year 2024 for its innovative and inclusive approach.

In this episode, Kagisho shares the journey from his beginnings in finance to co-creating a solution that would democratize education in a country where inequality still defines access. He reflects on how Matric Live started as a passion project to keep Lesego learning and out of trouble, and how their collaboration evolved into a nationally recognized platform.

We explore the thinking behind features like interactive video lessons, gamified learning journeys, mock exam simulations, and AI-powered tutoring, as well as the company’s bold move to expand into tools for teachers. Kagisho unpacks what it means to prioritize impact over profit, the responsibility of building for underserved schools, and the belief that tech built by township kids can change lives.

This is a story about innovation with purpose — a reminder that solving real problems at scale starts with empathy, community, and relentless execution.

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