The Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, accompanied by Limpopo MEC for Education, Ms Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya and Mr Carlton Mukhwevho, Secretary-General of the South African National Commission for UNESCO, conducted school monitoring and oversight engagements in the Limpopo Province in partnership with the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, on 22 May 2025.
The engagement took place at the Vhembe TVET College’s Mashamba Campus in the Hlanganani North Circuit, Vhembe Education District and was attended by 814 participants, including the Venda Chief and learners from 10 schools across the Vhembe District.
Discussions focussed on the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) performance, learners’ health and safety and motivating the Class of 2025 to improve on the previous year’s performance for enhanced outcomes.
In her address, Deputy Minister Mhaule emphasised the importance of bringing the G20 closer to the people, ensuring that the community understands its purpose and relevance in their daily lives. As part of the proceedings, Dr Mhaule recognised outstanding academic performance by awarding laptops to schools that excelled in the 2024 NSC results. Amongst the recipients were Ndalamo Secondary School; Tshitwa Secondary School; Lishavhana Secondary School; Shinguwah High School; and Mainganya Secondary School. In addition, the top-performing learner for the first quarter of 2025 was also awarded a laptop in recognition of his dedication and hard work.
Mr Muzi Ndlovu, DBE’s Director for Health Promotion, spoke about learner pregnancy prevention and shared statistics for enhanced awareness to illustrate the seriousness of the matter. Dr Thilivhali Sigida spoke about the importance of online safety and leaving responsible digital footprints to help learners finish their academic career safely and confidently.
The MTN Foundation supported the engagement with an exciting competition with incredible prizes up for grabs. After an engaging presentation by Mr Arthur Mukhuvha from the MTN Online School Programme, learners put their knowledge to the test by answering questions based on the session. Lucky participants walked away with gadgets and exclusive MTN-branded merchandise.
In conclusion, Deputy Minister Mhaule expressed her gratitude to MTN for their long-standing partnership: “Education remains a societal matter, and we require partners such as the MTN Foundation to invest in the future of our learners, enabling them to acquire 21st Century skills for the modern world”.