Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule conducted an Education Seminar in Enhlanzeni District in the Mpumalanga Province on 6 June 2025, to motivate school principals and district and circuit officials in support of schools, especially those that had underperformed during the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. During the Seminar, Deputy Minister Mhaule urged school principals to share best practice, whilst exploring strategies that might be required in addressing factors compromising the effective learning and teaching in schools.

The Seminar was organised to elevate the district overall pass rate with a bid to explore solutions to the recurring social ills facing school communities in the District. Substance abuse amongst the youth; Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and teenage pregnancy have been raised as serious issues that require urgent intervention.

Deputy Minister Mhaule also visited the Royal House, eBukhosini baka Mkhatshwa, iNkosi Mawewe, as part of her mission to strengthen cooperation between the Basic Education Sector and tribal authorities in the country. The collaboration between the private sector, civil society and tribal authority is a critical undertaking to transform the landscape of education in South Africa.

In her briefing session with Deputy Minister Mhaule, Ms Lorrian Goba, Chief Director for Quality Promotion and Assurance, said that the district has set a target of 90% and above for the 2025 NSC examinations. “Our district expects schools to achieve a 100% pass rate in the Foundation Phase and the only way to get this right, is to invest more resources and energy at the General Education and Training (GET) level. Over the years, we have been paying more attention on the Grade 12 curriculum. This has to change, we need to improve quality learning outcomes from GET to Further Education and Training (FET)”.

Deputy Minister Mhaule encouraged school principals to ensure that schools achieve quality learning outcomes, specifically in critical subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Accounting: “I urge you to work towards encouraging learners to choose these subjects as part of their career pathing. As we support schools in FET, we should not neglect the GET. We need to lay a solid foundation in the early grades, focusing more on the improvement of literacy and numeracy. I am pleased that you have honoured my invitation for this session. We need to work together for our schools to be fully supported to deliver education of the highest quality,” concluded Deputy Minister Mhaule.