By Johnathan Paoli
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has applauded the achievements of top-performing schools and districts, saying they illustrate the country’s commitment to transforming education in the face of challenges.
Gwarube, along with other top officials from the department, hosted the 2024 National Education Excellence Awards in Ekurhuleni, marking a decade of the awards for best performing schools and districts under the theme “Recognising Excellence in Education”.
“This event is one of the most inspiring moments in our annual calendar, as it allows us to reflect on and celebrate our schools and districts’ extraordinary contributions to shaping South Africa’s future,” Gwarube said.
The minister emphasised the transformative power of consistency and collaboration, reflecting on the awards’ evolution, and noted that while initially focused on district offices, they now included schools, acknowledging a broader spectrum of contributions.
The awards recognise schools maintaining a 100% matric pass rate for five years in Quintile 1-3 categories, showcasing the dedication of educators, learners and communities to fostering excellence in challenging environments.
Top-performing districts were lauded for their leadership and academic outcomes, with awards given based on metrics such as mathematics and science proficiency, Bachelor pass rates and effective school management.
Districts achieving over 85% performance consistently for five years would receive special accolades, serving as benchmarks of educational success.
As the minister celebrated achievements, she also reminded attendees of the ongoing journey toward equitable and quality education.
Gwarube said challenges such as resource disparities and access barriers required innovative and accountable approaches to service delivery.
She called on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to transforming education, ensuring no learner was left behind.
Schools excelling in health promotion received trophies and certificates, including Hani Park Primary and Meqheleng Primary in the Free State, and Reamohetsoe Primary in Gauteng.
The Star of the Sea Convent Primary was recognised for its outstanding performance.
Schools in quintile 1 to 5 were also celebrated, with top performers from quintile 1 to 3, hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, while Potchefstroom Gimnasium in the North West and Bloemhof High in the Western Cape led in Quintile 4 and 5.
Luna Primary in the Eastern Cape was recognised as the top full-service inclusive education school.
Awards for maintenance of school facilities were presented to Sekutupu Primary in Limpopo, while districts achieving a consistent pass rate above 85% from 2019 to 2023 included those from the Free State, the Western Cape and Gauteng.
Tshwane South in Gauteng emerged as the top-performing district in overall quality indicators, with districts like Umlazi and Ugu in KZN being recognised for outstanding Bachelor pass rates and science performance.
Bojanala District in the North West received top honors for leadership and management, while Motheo in the Free State led in improving primary school learning outcomes.
Districts demonstrating the most improvement in National Senior Certificate results over five years included Joe Gqabi in the Eastern Cape and Vhembe-East in Limpopo.
In closing, the minister honoured educators, principals and district officials for their foundational role in shaping South Africa’s future.
INSIDE EDUCATION
