The DBE has taken a cross-sectoral approach to mobilise education stakeholders in the holistic development of youth in the country.  Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, visited the City of Love and Restoration Full Gospel Church in the Free State Province on Sunday, 15 June 2025, where she encouraged young people to become agents of change. The church invited Deputy Minister Mhaule to participate in the Education Sunday Programme, organised to honour the academic achievements by members of the Church Youth Committee. The event was also used as a platform to commemorate the youth of 1976, particularly their resilience in pioneering their rights to education.

In his welcoming remarks, Elder Sekolanyane said that the graduates should serve as an epitome of aspirant youth in the education arena: “You have overcome considerable odds to achieve academic success. I therefore call on the current high school learners to draw strength and motivation from your success stories”. He expressed his gratitude to Deputy Minister Mhaule for honouring the invitation.

Deputy Minister Mhaule motivated the youth to emulate the resilience of the youth of 1976 by embracing education as an enabler for human development, emphasising that they should be determined to build a non-racial, non-sexist and violence-free society in which every young person is able to prosper academically and economically. Deputy Minister Mhaule also congratulated the graduates, adding that their qualification should be used to transform the lives of other young people in their respective communities. She further encouraged the youth to embark on a lifelong learning journey to become responsible future leaders: “To the graduates honoured here today; your consistent hard work and determination is encouraging. You are a beacon of hope in our education system.  I really believe that through education our communities will be transformed for the better.  As a sector, we remain committed to developing an inclusive and equitable education system for our learners to thrive. However, the Government is concerned by the socio-economic challenges facing young people in the country. A mind-set shift is required for young people to become job creators rather than job seekers. We need to equip young people with entrepreneurship education to improve living conditions in their respective communities”.