KwaZulu-Natal became a focal point of national pride and educational renewal as Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, undertook a two-day programme that celebrated academic excellence whilst setting a strong and purposeful tone for the 2026 academic year.
Day one took place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban, where Dr Mhaule delivered the keynote address at the KwaZulu Natal Department of Education’s 2025 NSC examination results ceremony. The event marked a historic achievement for the province, which emerged as the best-performing province nationally, recording an impressive 90.6% pass rate. MEC for Education, Mr Sipho Hlomuka, praised the resilience and determination of learners across the province, particularly those in rural and resource-constrained communities. Emphasising the shared responsibility of education, he reminded stakeholders that “the success we celebrate today is built on the collective commitment of our schools, families, communities and government working together”.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister Mhaule placed KwaZulu-Natal’s achievements within a broader national and systemic context. She applauded the growing culture of excellence, particularly in no-fee and rural schools, and reminded stakeholders that access to education must be matched with quality to ensure meaningful and lasting outcomes. Reflecting on the life-changing impact of education, Dr Mhaule noted that for many learners, a Bachelor pass does not simply open a university door; it transforms family histories; these are not just individual victories; they are community triumphs.
The day concluded on a celebratory note as the top ten achievers in the province were recognised for their exceptional academic journeys. Leading the province with distinction was Ethan Neil Naicker of Port Shepstone Secondary School in the Ugu District, named the number one learner in KwaZulu-Natal. Adding to the province’s pride, uMkhanyakude District emerged as the top-performing district, achieving an outstanding pass rate of 93.2%, a true reflection of collective excellence.
Day two marked a shift from celebration to readiness as schools across South Africa reopened for the 2026 academic year. Deputy Minister Mhaule, accompanied by MEC Hlomuka, conducted school oversight visits in the Umlazi Education District to assess preparedness for teaching and learning. The first visit took place at Queensburgh High School, where the Deputy Minister engaged with school and district leadership on academic discipline support being implemented across all grades. She provided constructive feedback on initiatives aimed at strengthening curriculum planning, delivery, and assessment through data-driven approaches.
Engaging directly with learners, Dr Mhaule encouraged Grade 8 learners embarking on their high school journey to focus early and remain teachable, reminding them that high school lays the foundation for their future. Addressing the Class of 2026 matriculants, she urged learners to already see themselves as future university candidates; underscoring the importance of discipline, focus, responsibility and commitment as they approach the final stage of their schooling. The programme concluded at Bonela Secondary School, a school that achieved a 100% matric pass rate. Speaking candidly about the complexities of education funding, the Deputy Minister explained that resources extend beyond salaries to support infrastructure, learning materials, technology, and employee benefits. She acknowledged the financial pressures faced by a large education system and commended school leaders, teachers, and officials for their dedication and resilience.
Encouraging matric learners to remain focused and determined, Dr Mhaule reminded them that success depends on how effectively time is managed and how consistently effort is applied. She challenged the Class of 2026 to strive for quality results, emphasising that their future is in their hands and that present circumstances should never limit their aspirations. Summing up the message of her KwaZulu-Natal programme, the Deputy Minister concluded by reminding learners that, “your future is shaped by the choices you make today, stay focused, work hard and believe in your potential”.