Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, has reaffirmed her confidence in the North West education system, saying the province does not belong in fourth position in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results but should consistently rank among the top three Provinces in the country. Dr Mhaule made these remarks during the handover of nutritional support packages at Tlhoafalo Secondary School in Agisanang Location, near Sannieshof, on Monday, 3 August 2026.
The Deputy Minister’s visit was attended by representatives from 25 schools within the cluster, including school principals, teachers, and identified learners. The cluster comprises predominantly underprivileged communities where many learners face significant socio-economic challenges and lack access to basic necessities that support regular school attendance and effective learning.
The Deputy Minister’s visit was prompted by the difficult living conditions experienced by these learners. The handover of nutritional support packages formed part of the Department’s efforts to provide much-needed assistance and to ensure that vulnerable learners are supported to remain in school and succeed academically.
Addressing guests at the event, Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, expressed confidence that the North West Province has the potential to reclaim its rightful place among the country’s top-performing provinces in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
“As the national Department of Basic Education, we have been closely monitoring the performance of the North West Province. We all agree that this province does not belong in fourth position in the matric results; it belongs at the top. In almost every national competition, the province consistently performs exceptionally well and walks away with the majority of the awards. Last year, during the National Teaching Awards held in Gauteng, the North West secured first place.
“I have every confidence that this province will reclaim its rightful position and once again rank among the country’s top-performing provinces in the matric examinations. It is possible, and I believe you will achieve this when the matric results are released in January 2027,” said Dr Mhaule.
The MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, assured the Deputy Minister and all the guests that the province is on course to reclaim its position among the country’s top-performing provinces in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
“First and foremost, we are truly honoured by the confidence that the national Department of Basic Education has expressed in the performance and potential of our province. So far, we are encouraged by the performance of our learners in the mid-year examinations. Their results have given us hope and confidence that we will reclaim our rightful position when the matric results are released. The strategies we have implemented, together with the unwavering support of our schools, teachers, parents and education stakeholders, give me confidence that our efforts will yield positive results. I remain grateful for the dedication of our teachers, who continue to go beyond the call of duty by introducing innovative strategies to ensure meaningful learner achievement,” said MEC Motsumi.
Dr Reginah Mhaule, also assured learners that the Department would continue to mobilise additional resources to help address the challenges face by learners. She reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to supporting vulnerable learners and creating an enabling environment that allows every learner to reach their full potential.
For more information, please contact:
Vuyo Mantshule | Departmental Spokesperson | 073 217 7335
Dr Elias Malindi | Director: Communication Services | 072 892 8399
