The MEC for education, Cathy Dlamini, addressed the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders in the Provincial Legislature on November 8.

She said the 2024 National Senior Certificate exams are proceeding well. She acknowledged the stakeholders’ collective efforts towards the exam process and urged the learners to remain focused until the final day of exams, November 28.

Dlamini also outlined the Provincial Government’s education priorities, including its commitment to pro-poor programmes such as no-fee schools, the National School Nutrition Programme and improvements of infrastructure.

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga High Court sentences man to 25 years for murder

She emphasised the significant impact of these initiatives, particularly in supporting schools in traditionally under-resourced areas, many of which fall under the leadership of Amakhosi.

Dlamini also addressed critical challenges, including safety concerns in schools, the rise in teenage pregnancies and the need for stronger collaboration between the Department of Education, traditional leaders and local communities.

She stressed the importance of working together to provide a safe and supportive environment for learners, particularly as they prepare for the final exams.

Dlamini confirmed the department’s focus on improving school infrastructure, including the eradication of pit latrines, construction of new schools and ongoing efforts to address security issues such as vandalism and crime in schools.

ALSO READ: SANParks honours the Kruger’s best at its achievement awards

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving high educational outcomes and fostering innovation in the sector, in line with the National Development Plan vision 2030.
She expressed her deep gratitude for the continued support of traditional leaders and reiterated the importance of collective action to ensure the educational success of learners across the province.