Minister Siviwe Gwarube met with district directors from across the country on 8 December 2025, to reflect on the state of the education sector and set clear priorities going forward. The engagement felt purposeful and grounded, with the Minister opening by expressing deep appreciation for the commitment district leaders have shown throughout a challenging year. She reminded them that “district leadership is where policy becomes impact,” emphasising that the success of the entire education system depends on how well districts support schools on the ground.
A major part of the discussion focused on strengthening the basics of education delivery. The Minister outlined four key priorities she believed would drive real improvement: more action-oriented monitoring; ensuring learning materials reach schools on time; using data more effectively to guide decisions; and placing greater focus on Foundational Learning, including Early Childhood Development integration. She also stressed the need for districts to remain responsive to social issues affecting learners, particularly Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, rising child pregnancies, noting that these issues continue to undermine learner safety and academic progress.
The meeting also included presentations that offered a clearer picture of the sector’s operational and academic landscape. There were updates on efforts to resolve administrative backlogs, such as unclaimed pensions, with progress highlighted in areas where improved data systems have made processes more efficient. Schools were also spotlighted for sharing practical examples of what works in improving learner outcomes, including strong governance structures; active parental involvement; better teacher support; and the effective use of technology in the classroom.
Another key theme was performance, especially in Mathematics. New district performance profiles were presented to help districts better understand trends in learner progression, subject choices, and achievement levels. One striking insight showed significant differences between districts in the number of learners achieving above 60% in Mathematics by Grade 12. These variations were linked not only to academic support but also to broader issues such as learner retention and socio-economic context. The message was clear: improving results requires districts to strengthen retention strategies and use data more intentionally to guide interventions.
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every child with a disability is placed in an appropriate and supportive school environment. Overall, the engagement showed a sector determined to move forward with focus and unity. The Minister’s message of collaboration, accountability and commitment set the tone for the year ahead, reinforcing the collective goal of building an inclusive, high-performing education system for every South African learner.
She closed the meeting by expressing her expectation of improved National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results and wished all the district directors a restful and safe holiday period.