More than 100 school principals, cluster leaders and the executive management of the Gauteng Department of Education’s Tshwane South District recently gathered at the Voortrekker Monument to reflect strategically on the year ahead.

The Tshwane South District serves numerous primary and secondary schools, including top-performing institutions like Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool, Die Hoërskool Menlopark, and Hoërskool Waterkloof. It includes areas such as Mamelodi, Saulsville, and central Pretoria. Key schools include Hamilton Primary School, Sunnyside Primary School, and various no-fee schools.

The day combined strategic planning with heritage enrichment, placing the spotlight on quality education and the importance of South African history within the school curriculum.

After coffee and rusks in the Voortrekker hall, guests enjoyed an interactive educational tour of the Pioneers Centre and the monument.

The centre is designed to expose learners to history through a practical, experiential approach aligned with the curriculum, including learners with additional needs.

Tshwane South’s district director Andries Nkadimeng spoke enthusiastically about the monument and the importance of transferring and experiencing history.

“We were here last year for a team-building session with the chief director, and the hospitality stays with you. Our school principals must ensure that history is properly transferred to our children. By bringing them here, we ensure they understand the importance of heritage exposure. The principals will definitely bring their learners to the monument, because it is of inestimable value,” he said.

Nkadimeng, who had the privilege of firing the ceremonial cannon Grietjie, described the monument as the perfect venue for the department’s strategic planning.

“The environment is ideal to plan in nature, surrounded by history, with a clear mind. We were able to reflect, strengthen our plans and focus on our core work: delivering quality education from Grade R to matric.”

According to Nkadimeng, academic performance remains a key priority for the district.

In 2025, about 14 000 learners in Tshwane South sat for the National Senior Certificate examinations, of whom 12 000 passed.

“Our target is a 100% pass rate. We want to improve our education, and that is why we came to the facilities of the monument, to create the best possible space for strategic thinking and collaboration,” Nkadimeng said.

After the cannon ceremony, guests enjoyed lunch in the Kruger Gallery before continuing with formal planning sessions.

Principals participated in strategic discussions focusing on curriculum delivery, learner support, leadership development and strengthening school communities.

Nkadimeng said the historic surroundings created an atmosphere conducive to both introspection and practical planning.

Dr Danie Langner, managing director of the Voortrekker Monument, said it was a privilege to host such a distinguished group of education leaders.

“We are proud to welcome schools from across the country and last year hosted more than 7 000 learners at the monument,” he said.
“Learners enjoy visiting, but above all, they gain context, a deeper understanding and pride in the country’s diverse history. Here, a colourful tapestry of rich heritage stories comes together like streams that do not flow in isolation, but are now interwoven.”

The gathering highlighted the role heritage institutions can play in strengthening education.

By situating strategic conversations within a site of national memory, the district reinforced the connection between academic excellence and historical awareness.

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