Basic Education Minister, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, conducted an official visit to Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape Province on 23 September 2025, during which she delivered a motivational address to the Class of 2025 at Bridgton Secondary School, as they prepare for their final year examinations.
During the engagement, Minister Gwarube emphasised the importance of maintaining focus, resilience and disciplined study habits in preparation for the forthcoming National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. She encouraged learners to utilise the remaining weeks of the academic year to consolidate knowledge and commit to structured revision, underscoring that consistent effort during this period can yield significant long-term outcomes. “All you need to do is focus for several weeks. That’s all. And that several weeks is going to set you apart for the rest of your life,” she stated.
The Minister further urged learners to pursue a collective goal of achieving a 100% pass rate, highlighting the transformative potential of educational attainment for individuals, families, and society at large. She reinforced that, while learners may not retain all academic content in detail, the matriculation certificate remains a critical determinant of access to higher education, career pathways, and socio-economic advancement. Minister Gwarube also underscored the role of education in addressing structural inequalities and breaking cycles of poverty, noting: “The only way we’re going to undo inequality in South Africa is if we grab an opportunity to get an education. That’s how we’re going to change our families from being families that come from poverty to being families that are thriving”.
The assembly concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by a matric learner on behalf of the Class of 2025, expressing appreciation to the Minister for her guidance and commitment towards enhancing access to quality education. The Minister’s engagement reinforced the Department’s continued dedication to supporting learners in achieving academic excellence and in preparing for successful transitions beyond the school environment.
The final engagement of the day saw Minister Gwarube, together with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Solly Malatsi, at Bongolethu Primary School for the official handover of tablets to learners, a significant step towards advancing digital inclusion and educational opportunity. The handover reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital era. With these devices, learners will gain exposure to new ways of learning, unlocking pathways into technology-driven subjects and preparing them for future opportunities.
In her address, Minister Gwarube expressed heartfelt gratitude to principals, teachers, and district officials for their tireless dedication to shaping the future of learners. She emphasised the historic significance of the occasion, noting the transformative potential of digital learning: “Today marks a turning point for Bongolethu Primary. For the first time, learners here will hold in their hands devices that open a window into an entirely new world of knowledge and opportunity. These tablets are not just tools of technology, they are treasures. They must be cared for, valued, and used to read, to calculate, and to learn. Because if we do not take digital education seriously, we risk leaving another generation of children; especially the most disadvantaged behind. This is how we begin to close the gap of inequality and prepare every child for a future where they can thrive”.