By Charmaine Ndlela
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube on Monday thanked education district directors for steering schools through a demanding 2025 academic year, as South Africa’s education system juggles the finalisation of matric exam marking and preparations for 2026.
Seventy-five education districts attended a meeting in Pretoria aimed at reviewing progress in the sector, addressing existing challenges and strengthening collaboration, the department said.
Gwarube urged leaders to continue supporting schools in safeguarding learners and confronting urgent social pressures, including gender-based violence and rising child pregnancies.
“With commitment, collaborative and strong leadership, I am confident in the sector’s ability to drive quality education for every learner, regardless of backgrounds,” Gwarube said.
She said district leaders were central to translating national policy into tangible improvements at school level, including ensuring exam readiness, improving school functionality, and strengthening teaching and learning across districts.
As planning accelerates for the 2026 academic year, she outlined four priorities for districts: action-driven monitoring, timely delivery of learning materials, responsive decision-making, and strengthening foundational learning — including the integration of Early Childhood Development.
The department said the gathering was the last district directors’ meeting for the 2025 academic year.
INSIDE EDUCATION
