The Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) continues to receive the necessary support to live up to its mandate of strengthening collaborative efforts between government, community, business, and international communities in enhancing quality learning outcomes. Mr Jabu Hlakula, Director for QLTC at the DBE, shared this sentiment during the QLTC Interprovincial Meeting, which took place at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in the Gauteng Province from 19 to 21 August 2026. Chief Director for Monitoring and Support, Mr Sihle Mlambo, was also in attendance and officially opened the meeting.

The meeting afforded provinces an opportunity to reflect on progress made regarding the implementation of the resolution taken in various meetings aimed at strengthening collaboration between schools, government, and the private sector for the realisation of education outcomes. The meeting further explored possible ways to address social ills encountered within several school communities, including alcohol and substance abuse, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the scourge of unintended learner pregnancies.

Apart from national and provincial QLTC coordinators, the meeting was also attended by representatives, including teacher unions; Non-Governmental Organisations; DBE Directorates; and traditional leaders who have a strong influence in their respective communities as agents of change. Through these collaborative efforts, the QLTC has managed to pursue partners to build a school hall, a library, established food gardens to complement and support the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), distributed school uniforms, shoes, and hygiene packs. A joint programme with various DBE Directorates is already on course and is intended to streamline and to strengthen the delivery of departmental programmes. These directorates are the NSNP; Health Promotion; School Safety; Social Cohesion; Second Chance Matric Support Programme; Education Management and Governance Development; National Assessment and Examinations; Mathematics, Science and Technology; National Continuing Professional Development; Initial Teacher Education; Legal Services; and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

“All partners, including social partners, pledged their support to the QLTC, cautioning that there is an urgent need to improve planning, implementation, and reporting whilst strengthening accountability at all levels of the education system, both vertically and horizontally,” said Mr Hlakula. In his address, Mr Hlakula commended provinces, directorates, and partners for steering the wheel in turning schools into centres of excellence, thereby encouraging various education stakeholders to support the goals of education: “Government is working very hard to build a better South Africa and we are committed to it and with your support we will achieve even more for our youth”.