The DBE and the KwaZulu-Natal Province launched a Tuberculosis (TB) Check Schools Activations Project in 20 schools. The project was conducted in Zululand and uMgungundlovu Districts and concluded on 13 September 2024, with participating schools receiving certificates of participation.

In addition, a competition was held amongst schools for screening with the following categories: Top Screening Schools for schools that have screened the highest number of learners; Top Screening Educator for the educator whose class has screened the highest number of learners; and Top Screening Learner for the learner who has screened the highest number of learners. A total of 18 trophies (9 for High Schools and 9 for Primary Schools) were awarded. The overarching aim of the project was to promote the awareness and prevention of tuberculosis in schools.

In the uMgungundlovu District, a total of 2,247 primary schools and 3,725 high schools (5,972 schools) participated. Inzuzwenhle Primary School and Nyonithwele Secondary School screened the most learners. Gubese Ayabonga from Izwilesizwe Primary School and Amahle Mkhize from Ndala Secondary School were the leaners who won first prize for screening. In the Zululand District, a total of 10,586 primary schools and 10,073 high schools (20,659 schools) participated. Prince Luyakona Primary School and Mpungamhlophe Secondary School screened the most learners. Zulu Lwandile from Prince Luyakona Primary School and Buthelezi Sinenhlanhla from Mpungamhlophe Secondary School were the learners who won first prize for screening. The top screening educators were from Ndabikhona and Prince Luyakona Primary Schools and Nyonithwele Secondary and King Bhekuzulu Secondary Schools.

TB is caused by bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. People become infected with TB when they breathe in these bacteria. Because of this, TB usually infects the lungs, but it can also spread from the lungs and infect other organs, like the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB of the lungs is known as pulmonary TB, and TB outside the lungs is known as extra-pulmonary or disseminated TB. The incidence of TB in South Africa is approximately 1%. The risk is lower for children (5-10 years) in primary school, but higher in adolescents. Even in a school where there is a case of infectious TB, the risk for children in primary school is also about 1%, but for adolescents this varies between 5% -10%.

The national theme for the commemoration of World TB Day on 24 March 2024 was: Yes! You and I Can End TB. In  line with the global community, the theme from 2023 has been retained for this year’s commemoration. The theme aims to encourage individual action to contribute to the national effort against TB. It also emphasises the importance of being accountable as an individual and as part of a collective. “You and I” is a statement of intent designed to encourage individuals to take charge of their health in line with “Cheka Impilo” objectives. For the past few years, the focus has been on leaders calling for increased investment, prioritisation and stewardship in response to TB. The new National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs: 2023 - 2028, makes it crucial for every South African to be counted in the country’s quest to eliminate the three epidemics as public health threats. The successful implementation of South Africa’s TB Recovery Plan requires collective effort and shared accountability.