Basic Education Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli and his team, conducted a comprehensive provincial engagement in the Capricorn South and Capricorn North education districts of Polokwane, Limpopo Province from 5 to 6 July 2025. This involved 165 schools and 6,174 learners. It takes us to 64 districts and 8 provinces covered so far with 11 districts outstanding which are all in the Eastern Cape.

The visit formed part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to monitor and enhance school readiness, curriculum implementation and the promotion of literacy practices across the country. A central focus of the DG’s engagement was the advancement of a reading culture and the encouragement of multilingual teaching practices in schools. Mr Mweli underscored the importance of adopting bilingual strategies such as teaching mathematics in Sepedi to strengthen learner comprehension and improve African-language literacy outcomes.

During the visit, curriculum experts, district officials, school principals and representatives of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) presented reports on the status of curriculum delivery and learner performance in the two districts. These engagements provided valuable insight into existing gaps and areas of progress in teaching and learning outcomes.

Mr Mweli also held direct discussions with senior provincial officials, including district managers and subject advisors. In a special session with Grade 12 learners, he offered motivational guidance and practical strategies to improve their academic performance. He further called on district managers and curriculum advisors to provide targeted support to high-enrolment and underperforming schools, ensuring that interventions are responsive to the specific challenges faced on the ground.

This provincial outreach, far from a routine administrative exercise, represents a deliberate and strategic mission to bring policy into practice. By prioritising face-to-face engagement, data-driven dialogue and localised accountability, the Director-General’s visit reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to improving educational outcomes and ensuring that no school is left behind. Mr Mweli also visited a SAICA camp at Hoërskool Warmbath on 4 July and a Gauteng SAICA camp at Prestige College on 11 July 2025. SAICA is a camp for Mathematics and Commercial subject high flyers.

Through collaborative action, expert input and a clear focus on learner success, this initiative continues to bridge the gap between national education policy and classroom realities, paving the way for more equitable and effective learning environments across South Africa.