Edu News June 2025 Vol 66 : simplebooklet.com

TABLE OF CONTENTSEDITORIAL TEAMEDITORIALMANAGEMENTHEAD OFCOMMUNICATION:Muzi MahlambiCHIEF EDITOR :Philakahle NgubaneGUEST NEWS EDITOR:Nonkululeko NgcoboPHOTOGRAPHERSKholeka KeswaNongcebo KhuzwayoSandile NgcoboSibani NgobeseThabile DlaminiSphelele MadlalaLuyanda SikhakhaneCONTENTCONTRIBUTORSMbaliyabenguni ZuluPhilakahle NgubaneQinisile MkhizeXoli ThompsonSibani NgobeseEditorial TeamNoluthando ZithaSinegugu Sincadu PROOF-READERS:Sandile NtombelaSiphokazi ZacaSinegugu SincanduNokukhanya Mthembu3. Message from the MEC 4. Message from the HOD5-6. Isifundazwe sakwa Zulu-Natali Sibambe ingqungquthela ye G20 7-8. Uhlelo lukahulumeni OSS/DDM Cabinet day Ilembe District 9-10. Welcome Ceremony of Chess Players at King Shaka International11-12. MEC Oversight Visit at Mowbray Primary School 13-14 Umphathiswa wezemfundo wethamele umcintiswano womculo wamakwaya esifundazwe saKwaZulu-Natal15-16. Umphathiswa wezemfundo uhambele iphalamende lentsha lesifundazwe saKwaZulu-Natal ngo202517-18. Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) Provincial Training Meeting19-20. KwaZulu Natal Provincial Governtment Heads of Communcations Meeting: A moment of strategic unity 21-22. KwaZulu Natal Department of Education hosted the Free State Department of Educationfor a benchmark visit on focus schools23- 24. KZN Department of Education hosts men’s health event for employeesPICTURE DESIGN & LAYOUT:Nonkululeko NgcoboAssistant Picture Designer:Bongeka MncubeGRAPHIC DESIGNER:Luyanda SikhakhaneCO-ORDINATOR:Mbaliyabenguni Zulu25-26. MEC Mr Sipho Hlomuka engages NATU leadership in follow up meeting on education resolutions21

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I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude and admiration. The recent meeting at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and the KwaZulu-Natal provincial choir competition have showcased the dedication and passion of our educators and learners.To our teachers, I express my deepest appreciation for your tireless efforts in shaping the minds of our future leaders. Your commitment to nurturing talent and promoting arts education is truly commendable.To our learners, I say well done! Your talents and abilities are a testament to the potential that lies within each and every one of you. Continue to strive for excellence and pursue your passions with dedication and perseverance.I would also like to acknowledge the importance of collaboration and partnership in improving education. The meeting at the ICC brought together key stakeholders to discuss challenges and strategies for improving education in our province. This collective effort will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of our education system.In this spirit of collaboration, I must also highlight a signicant moment for our province G20 MESSAGE FROM THE MEC MR. S.E. HLOMUKAMESSAGE FROM THE HOD MR. G.N. NGCOBOIt is an honour to address you once again during this important time in our academic calendar.As the mid-year examinations draw to a close, we enter a crucial period of reection, revision, and preparation for the nal stretch of the academic year. I want to congratulate all learners for your resilience thus far. Your determination has brought you this far—now is the time to push even further.The winter holidays are not just a break from the classroom—they are an opportunity. With the support of the Department of Education, winter classes have been organised in every district across the province. These sessions are intended to strengthen your understanding of key subjects and to help you prepare condently for the nal exams. I urge all learners, especially our Grade 12s, to attend these classes and use the available resources to their full advantage. Even if you’re studying from home, remember: every hour you invest now is a step toward a brighter future.We also take this time to proudly acknowledge our learners participating in the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE). Your passion and dedication to the arts are deeply inspiring. You remind us that education is not just about books and exams—it’s also about creativity, culture, and expression. We celebrate your voices and your courage to shine on stage.meetings and our role in them. The G20, which brings together the world’s major economies to discuss global challenges, may seem far removed from our daily lives, but its presence here is a powerful opportunity. For KwaZulu-Natal, it means a spotlight on our potential, a chance to showcase our youth, our cultural richness, and our commitment to innovation and development.Our participation in G20-related programmes is not just symbolic—it’s a signal that our learners and educators are ready to engage on a global stage. It opens doors for partnerships, investment, and global exposure. Most importantly, it tells our young people that they are part of something bigger—that their voices, talents, and ideas matter not only here at home but around the world.As we move forward, I encourage you all to continue nurturing talent, promoting arts education, and supporting our learners. Let us embrace opportunities like the G20 to inspire excellence and open new pathways for growth.Your efforts will shape the future of our province and country.As a Department, we remain steadfast in our commitment to your success. We are here to support you, guide you, and cheer you on. Let this winter be a season of growth, learning, and excellence.34

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ISIFUNDAZWE SAKWAZULU-NATALI SIBAMBE INGQUNGQUTHELA YE G20By: Mbaliyabenguni ZuluuMnyango weZemfundo KwaZulu-Natali, ihhovisi likaNdunankuku, osomabhisinisi kanye noMyango weZemfundo kuZwelonke bahlangane eICC eThekwini namhlanje ziwu 10 June 2025. Lomhlangano omkhulu ohanjwelwe izihlobo nhlobo zeziphathi mandla ukuzohlaziya zicubungule izinqinamba namaqhinga amasha azothatha imfundo yakuleli ukuba ihambisane neyaphesheya kwezilwandle. Phakathi kwezihambeli noma izethameli ebizithamele lomhlangano omkhulu kulesiaifundazwe sakwa Zulu-Natali kubalulwa uMhlonishwa uNdunankulu we sifundwazwe Thami Ntuli kanye nesekela likaNgqongqoshe weZemfundo kuZwelonke Dkt Reginah Mhaule nomele uSodolobha weTheku Cllr Zama Sokhabase womkhandlu waseThekwini kanye nomphathiswa woMnyango weZemfundo ku sifundwazwe sakwa Zulu-Natali Mnu. Sipho Hlomuka. Lomhlangano omkhulu ungeminye yemihlangano eyenzakalayo kwiminyango yonke kahulumeni kusukela uhulumeni omkhulu Kuya ezifundazweni zonke ukulungiselela ingqungquthela yomhlaba eyobe ihanjelwe kuMongameli wezwe uMnu. Cyril Ramaphosa. Ommele uSodolobha Usodolobha weTheku Cllr Zam Sokhabase wamukele zonke izithameli ezihlangene ICC ukuzodingida izindaba ezinkulu zemfundo kuyona yonke imikhakha, kanti uNdunankulu we sifundwazwe Mhlonishwa Thami Ntuli wethule inkulumo yosuku lapho aqale khona ngokukhumbuza umhlanganiso ukuthi imfundo ibaluleke kangakanani kungani behlangene ngalendlela kulolosuku” kuliqiniso impela ukuthi ligotshwa lisemanzi okungukuthi umntwana ufundiswa esakhula siwubufakazi obuqanda ikhanda osukwini lwanamhlanje. Asisi abantwana abancane basalele ngaphandle ezinhlelweni zikahulumeni nasezingxonxweni zomhlaba. Lomhlangano uzonikeza umhlahlandlela ngengqungquthela yomhlaba ezayo.” kunaba uNdunankuluKanti usekela Ngqongqoshe we mfundo eyisisekelo, Dkt Reginah Mhaule udlulise amazwi okubongela Isifundazwe sakwaZulu-Natali ukuthi namhlanje sisingethe Lomhlangano omkhulu wokudingida izindaba zemfundo ikakhulukazi ukuqinisa umgomgodla wezezinkulisa ngoba imfundo ibalulekile kusukela komncane kuya komdala. Usuku luqhubeke Kwaba nesithangami sezingxoxo ezahlukahlukene zezihloko obekukhulunywa ngazo kabanzi ekwakheni nase kukhuliseni ezemfundo emkhakheni yonke. Izithameli zinikezwe ithuba lokuba zibambe ithuba kwinxenye yemibuzo abanayo kuzinculabuchopho ebeziletha umhlahlandlela ngezihloko ezahlukene ebeziholwa uDDG Curriculum Management and Delivery Mnu Mbongiseni Mazibuko kanye no DDG Institutional Development Support Ms Weziwe Hadebe Umhlangano we G20 obewushayelwa inhloko yoMnyango esifundazweni uMnu Nkosinathi Ngcobo uqinisekisile ukuthi Lomhlangano ubalulekile ngoba ulungiselela ingqungquthela yomhlaba ezayo ezohlanganisa amazwe ngamazwe. 65

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by: Mbali ZuluUhulumeni wesifundazwe saKwaZulu-Natal wahambela iSifunda saseLembe ngaphansi kohlelo lukaSukuma Sakhe, olwaholwa uNdunankulu wesifundazwe ehamba nekhabhinethi yakhe ephelele kanye nabaphathi beminyango ehlukene.UMphathiswa wezeMfundo, uMnu Sipho Hlomuka, kanye nenhloko yoMnyango weZokusebenza koMphakathi, bavakashela eWard 11 eSonkombo. Ekuseni, baqale ngokuvakashela iWar Room esebenzela khona eThusong Centre, lapho ake wahleka khona isimo sokusebenza kanye nezinqinamba ababhekene nazo kule ward.UKhansela Mthethwa waseWard 11 wethula umbiko phambi koMhlonishwa uNdunankulu, enaba kabanzi ngezinkinga ezibhekene nomphakathi. Phakathi kwazo kukhona ukungabi namanzi anele futhi ahlanzekile, izinkinga ezikhona ezikoleni ezifana nokugcwala kwabafundi emakilasini, kanye nenkinga yezidakamizwa phakathi kwabafundi. Waphinde wagqamisa nobugebengu UHLELO LUKAHULUMENI OSS/DDMCABINET DAY ILEMBE DISTRICTobudlangile emphakathini.UMphathiswa wezeMfundo waqhubeka wavakashela emzini wakwaNkosi, lapho adlulisele khona izimpahla kugogo, ngemuva kokuthi umndeni uthole indlu entsha ngaphansi kosizo lukaMasipala waseNdwedwe. Ugogo uhlala nabazukulu abayi-12, abanye babo abafundayo nabanye abangafundi. UMphathiswa wanikeza umndeni ukudla, izingubo zokulala kanye nezinye izinto ezidingekayo.UMnu Hlomuka wabongela umndeni wakwaNkosi ngokuthola indlu entsha, wanxusa nokuthi bayiphathe kahle njengoba iyikhaya abalinikezwe uhulumeni. “Siyathemba ukuthi leli khaya nizoliphatha kahle, uhulumeni unenhloso yokuletha impilo engcono kubantu,” kusho uMphathiswa.UGogo Nkosi wabonakalisa ukujabula okukhulu wakhuluma wathi: “Ngiyabonga kakhulu kuNgqongqoshe wezeMfundo ngesipho engisitholile. Ngashiywa abantwana bami, namuhla izinyembezi eziphuma emehlweni zami 7 8izenyembezi zenjabulo. Ngiyabonga kakhulu kuMhlonishwa nabahamba naye,” kusho uGogo Nkosi.Umhlangano waqhubekela phambili eWard 2 eHholo, uNdunankulu wahlangana khona nabaholi bonke bezongqa imibiko yokusebenza ababevele beyethule emawadini abewavakashele kusukela ekuseni.

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By: Mbaliyabenguni Zulu The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sports, Art and Culture, KZN Chess Association and KZN Sport Confederation hosted the welcoming ceremony of the 2025 Champions Jorah Soojay and Weilin Yan Grade 11 learners from Ashton International College in Ballito.It is for the rst time that KwaZulu-Natal achieve such great results, where a player won all nine games in the Continental Schools TournamentSecretary of KZN School Chess and iLembe Schools Chess, Mr Mazwi Gwamanda mentioned that “ As we are welcoming our champions we are very proud of these boys, we wish that KZNDOE and KZNDSAC continue supporting the sports in our schools, we are proud of our boys” concluded Mr GwamandaChief Education Specialist for Co-Curricular Support Directorate, Mr Themba Kubheka also expressed his sincere gratitude to the champions, he stated that the “ we want to see more schools participating in sports because we WELCOME CEREMONY OF CHESS PLAYERS AT KING SHAKA INTERNATIONALbelieve that through sports we instill descipline” said Mr Kubheka“On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Chess Association, I would like to congratulate our talented chess players for their remarkable achievement in reaching the continental stage at the African Schools Individual Chess Tournament in Kenya!We express our heartfelt gratitude to the KZN Department of Education, KZN Department of Sports, Art and Culture, and KZN Sports Confederations for their generous support. Special thanks to the parents for their unwavering encouragement and support for their children throughout the tournament.As the KwaZulu-Natal Chess Association, our goal is to nurture and grow the love for chess within our province, and we are proud to see our young players excel.A special congratulations to Jorah Soojay for emerging victorious in the Under 17 section.Well done, champions! We look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in the world of Chess” stated Siyabonga GumedeHead Coach, KwaZulu-Natal Chess Association. 910

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By: Philakahle NgubaneThe KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, under the leadership of the MEC for Education, Mr. Sipho Hlomuka, visited Mowbray Primary School in the Umzinyathi District to demonstrate the department’s commitment to learner well-being and safe access to education.The Head of Department, Mr. Nkosinathi Ngcobo, explained that the visit was prompted by feedback from the public, reecting the department’s ongoing efforts to respond swiftly and proactively to the needs of learners.“We are always concerned when learners face challenges in reaching school, and we are here to explore practical and sustainable solutions to ensure their safety,” said Mr. Ngcobo.Inkosi Hlangu Ngubane welcomed the delegation and commended the department’s leadership. “We encourage responsible reporting that strengthens and unites communities, and we are grateful for the MEC’s presence here today,” he said.MEC OVERSIGHT VISIT AT MOWBRAYPRIMARY SCHOOLThe MEC’s visit formed part of ongoing monitoring and engagement initiatives aimed at ensuring every child has access to quality education, regardless of geographic location.In his address, Mr. Hlomuka thanked the Mandla Msweli Foundation for raising the matter and reafrmed the department’s commitment to collaborative problem-solving. “We appreciate when communities alert us to matters that affect learners. While this school falls outside the scope of the current learner transport policy, we remain committed to nding alternative solutions. We will work closely with other government departments to explore infrastructure improvements. I will personally meet with the MEC for Transport, Mr. Siboniso Duma, and the Municipality to urgently address this for the safety and well-being of our learners,” said MEC Hlomuka.The MEC received a warm welcome from parents, community members, and local leaders, who applauded the department’s dedication to inclusive and responsive governance. “We are proud of the standard of education provided at this school, which attracts learners from surrounding communities,” MEC Hlomuka concluded.1112

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By: Mbali ZuluNamhlanje usuku lokuvala umnintiswano wamakwaya esiFundazweni sakwaZulu Natali obubanjelwe eBethsaida Ministries International Church eThekwini. Lomncintiswano obuhlanganise bonke abathi abahlukahlukene ndawonye ukuzothamela bathokozele umsebenzi wezingane omuhleUMphathiswa weZemfundo esifundazweni uMnu Sipho Hlomuka ubeyingxenye namhlanje ukuzozibonela inqophamlando womsebenzi wothisha abalolonga abantwana bethu ukulungiselela lesisikhathi kanye nokuzicijela umzukiswano omkhulu obanjelwa eGoli, kuleminyaka edlule isiFundazwe saKwaZulu-Natali sihlale sidla imihlanganiso sibuya nezindondo eziningi ngenxa yokwenza kahle. I nhloko yoMnyango uMnu. Nkosinathi Ngcobo wethule umhlonishwa kulomcimbi enkulumeni yakhe ukuvezile ukubongela othisha kanye nabo bonke abahlanganise lomcimbi baphinde basenza kanzima ukukolonga abantwana ukuze bake kulelizinga esifundazwe. “ SiwuMnyango sizibonele ngawethu amehlo umsebenzi wothisha kuyamangaza esikubona namhlanje siyabonga kubadidiyeli bonke kanye namajaji ngisho avela kwezinye izifundazwe. UMPHATHISWA WEZEMFUNDO WETHAMELE UMCINTISWANO WOMCULO WAMAKWAYA ESIFUNDAZWE SAKWAZULU-NATALISisa ukuthi uqhubekele phambili lomsebenzi omkhulu kangaka” kunaba HOD Ngcobo.UMphathiswa Hlomuka eqhuba kwinkulumo yakhe uthe” Namhlanje usuku oluhle kakhulu ukuthi ngibe yinxenye yalomncintiswano. Lolusuku sifunde kakhulu futhi siyabonga ukuzinikela okukhulu othisha bethu belekelelwa abasebenzi boMnyango kuma Districts ngoba lomsebenzi uyaveza ukuthi uqala emabangeni aphansi kuze kube yilesigaba, ngisa ukuveza ukuthi uhulumeni uyasa ukuweseka lomsebenzi ngoba uzothuthukisa ithalente labantwana bethu. Ngalelithalente umfundi angahamba amazwe ngamazwe ngenxa yomculo,aphile impilo yomtakabani. Ngisa nokubonga bonke abahleli namajaji onke ngithi nje qhubekani nomsebenzi omuhle eniwenzayo. Ngiphinde nginisele ukuhamba okuphephile uma seniya eGoli kumqhudelwano omkhulu nibuye nezindondo zonke. Kuqhuba MEC Hlomuka1314

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By Qini Mkhize IPhalamende laBasha lika-2025 libanjelwe ngaphansi kwesiqubulo esithi: “Amakhono Okumelana Nomhlaba Oguqugukayo: Sivala Igebe Ngemfundo, Ukuthuthukiswa Kwamakhono Nokusungulwa Kwamabhizinisi”, kwisifunda saseHarry Gwala.UMeya kaMasipala Wesifunda iHarry Gwala, uCllr TN Jojozi, wamukele izihambeli ezihlonishwayo, okubalwa kuzo uNksz M. Tembe, onguSekela Somlomo weSishayamthetho, abaPhathiswa beminyango ehlukahlukene, amaKhosi, amalungu eSishayamthetho saKwaZulu-Natal, iziMeya, kanye nezikhulu zikahulumeni.Inhloso yePhalamende laBasha ukuhlinzeka ngendawo yokuxoxa ngezinkinga ezibhekene nentsha, kanye nokuhlola imizamo kahulumeni yokusiza intsha yesifundazwe ukuba ithole amakhono, ixhaswe ekusunguleni amabhizinisi, futhi ithole imfundo esezingeni eliphezulu ebavulela amathuba emisebenzi.Lolu hlelo lwesiShayamthetho lwesifundazwe lubalulekile kakhulu njengoba lunika intsha ithuba lokuveza imibono yayo, futhi luyingxenye ebalulekile yezingxoxo zokuthola izixazululo eziphathelene nezinkinga ezibhekene nentsha UMPHATHISWA WEZEMFUNDO UHAMBELE IPHALAMENDE LENTSHA LESIFUNDAZWE KWAZULU-NATAL NGO-2025okubalwa kuzo ukuntuleka kwemisebenzi, ukwesekwa kwamabhizinisi entsha, kanye nemfundo esezingeni eliphakeme.UMnu. Mbongiseni Mazibuko, ongusekela Mqondisi Jikelele eMnyangweni WezeMfundo, uphawule ngokubaluleka kokulingana ezikoleni. Uthe: “Kunezinkinga zokungalingani ezisekhona ezikoleni zethu. Igebe elikhona phakathi kwezikole siya ngokuya silivala njengoba sakha izikole zeqophelo eliphezulu ezindaweni zasemakhaya.”Uphinde wachaza kabanzi ngohlelo lokwakhiwa kwezikole ezinobuchwepheshe besimanje, okuthiwa sekuhlonzwe ngaphezu kuka-9 ezizokwakhiwa esifundeni saseHarry Gwala.Ezinye izikhulumi, kuhlanganise noMnu. N. Nkontwane, iNhloko yoMnyango Wezokuthuthukiswa Komnotho, Ezokuvakasha kanye Nezemvelo, zaphinde zagqamisa amathuba ezamabhizinisi kanye nezinhlelo zokuthuthukiswa kwengqalasizinda esifundazweni.1516

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BASIC EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE (BEEI) PROVINCIAL TRAINING MEETINGBy:Qini Mkhize The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, through its Human Resources Development Directorate, recently convened a Provincial Training Meeting as part of the ongoing implementation of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI).This initiative falls under the broader Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), which is a agship programme of government aimed at tackling the country’s high youth unemployment rate. It is designed to create pathways for young people to transition from learning to earning by offering them opportunities for employment, skills development, and entrepreneurship.Now in its fth phase, the BEEI continues to demonstrate the Department’s unwavering commitment to both improving the quality of education and addressing socio-economic challenges in communities. More than 45,000 employment opportunities have been earmarked for KwaZulu-Natal’s 12 districts, targeting various school support functions.Recruited youth will be deployed in roles such as Curriculum Assistants, Reading Champions, ICT/e-Cadres, Care and Support Assistants, Handypersons, Workshop Assistants, and Laboratory Assistants. Each of these roles is designed to add value to the education system by supporting teaching and learning, promoting literacy, and ensuring safe and functional learning environments.Participants will undergo intensive orientation and capacity-building sessions to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties effectively. The training also serves as a foundation for future employment or entrepreneurial ventures, giving young people the tools they need to thrive beyond the programme.During the training meeting, various directorates within the Department presented their plans to support and mentor the youth throughout the six-month placement. The atmosphere was one of collaboration, inspiration, and a shared vision of empowering the next generation.The BEEI stands as a shining example of what is possible when government, education, and youth come together to build a better future not only for schools but for communities and the broader society.1718

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1920By Sbani Ngobese On 03 June 2025, the Ofce of the Premier in the Marine Building buzzed with the focused energy of purpose and progress. Government communicators from across KwaZulu-Natal gathered in full force, lling the boardroom with a sense of urgency and shared responsibility. It was more than just a routine meeting—it was a pivotal moment in the province’s communications calendar.The Heads of Communications meeting, convened under the banner of strategic alignment, aimed to streamline messaging ahead of the much-anticipated G20 Provincial Indaba. The gathering was a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and insights, as each communicator brought to the table not only their departmental priorities but also a collective vision for KwaZulu-Natal’s future.Chairs shifted and pens scribbled notes as key speakers highlighted government priorities, discussed crisis communication plans, and rened strategies for community engagement. The spirit of collaboration lled the room as teams debated how best to amplify developmental milestones and reinforce public trust in government messaging A recurring theme throughout the session was the importance of consistency in messaging across departments. With the upcoming G20 Provincial Indaba set to place KwaZulu-Natal in the global spotlight, alignment on key narratives became a central focus. Delegates emphasized the need to not only communicate effectively but to do so with clarity, credibility, and cultural sensitivity.The meeting also underscored the vital role of digital platforms in modern governance. Presentations explored innovative ways to leverage social media, provincial websites, and mobile technology to reach citizens where they are—particularly the youth and underserved rural communities. Several departments showcased successful case studies where digital outreach had driven public participation and policy awareness.A noteworthy outcome of the meeting was a renewed commitment to capacity building within the communications fraternity. Plans were tabled for a series of skills development workshops aimed at strengthening strategic communication, media relations, and digital content creation. The sentiment was clear: a well-informed, agile, and empowered communications corps is critical to the province’s socio-economic transformation KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT HEADS OF COMMUNICATIONS MEETING: A MOMENT OF STRATEGIC UNITYagenda.As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of unity and momentum. The Heads of Communications left the Marine Building not just with action plans and brieng notes, but with a collective mission—to be the voice that bridges government and the people, particularly during a year of heightened global attention and local delivery imperatives.In a time where effective communication is key to governance success, KwaZulu-Natal’s communicators have reafrmed their place at the forefront of change—strategy in hand and

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KWAZULU-NATAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HOSTED THE FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR A BENCHMARK VISIT ON FOCUS SCHOOLSBy: Qini MkhizeThe KZNDoE had the pleasure of hosting the Department of Education from the Free State province. The delegation conducted a benchmarking exercise on Focus Schools.The KZNDoE delegation was led by DDGs Mr. Mbongiseni Mazibuko for Curriculum Management and Delivery, and Ms. Weziwe Hadebe for Institutional Development Support.KZNDoE has invested in 4 Focus Schools in the province, spread across 4 districts: Mandla Mthethwa School of Excellence in uMkhanyakude and Anton Lembede MST Academy in Pinetown, both of which are already functioning; and the Maritime School of Excellence in uMlazi and Mbuso Kubheka in Amajuba district, both not functional yet.The feasibility study by the Free State into the establishment of such institutions takes into account the need for specialized infrastructural development, curriculum development, human resources, governance matters, and many other issues that will set these schools apart from what the public is used to.“We are constantly trying to meet global standards of education, and these schools are assisting in bridging the gap between previously disadvantaged learners and those that are privileged. These schools have been established in both urban and rural areas,” remarked Ms. Hadebe.The Department is working closely with universities and stakeholders in the province to develop a specialized curriculum for these schools.“We want to produce learners from these schools who are able to participate in the economy of the province and ultimately the country. The schools are a directive response to the skills shortage in the country,” said Mr. Mazibuko.2122

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KZN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HOSTS MEN’S HEALTH EVENT FOR EMPLOYEESBy: Sinegugu SincaduToday, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education hosted an Employees Health and Wellness Men’s Health Event Programme, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of men’s health.Mr. Sduduzo Zulu, Assistant Director: Human Resources Capacity Development, ofcially opened the programme by introducing the speakers and sharing the purpose of the event. He highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for men to engage in honest conversations about their health.This message was echoed by Ms Happy Goba, Assistant Director: Employee Health & Wellness, who acknowledged that wellness programmes often unintentionally focus more on women, leaving men’s health needs under-addressed.“This event is our way of saying to our male colleagues: your health matters too,” she said. “We want to shift the mindset and remind our brothers, fathers, and partners that regular check-ups and open conversations can save lives.”The programme featured a range of expert speakers. Dr. Sanjay Sadhwani, a urologist from Midlands Private Hospital, tackled issues such as erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). He emphasised that early diagnosis and professional treatment are critical, encouraging men to seek help rather than suffer in silence.Mrs. Nonhle Hlophe, a registered dietician, addressed the importance of nutrition in managing and preventing conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney complications. She advocated for balanced eating and regular consultations with both doctors and dietitians.Adding a physical dimension to the programme, Mr. Tiaan Petzer, a biokineticist from the Spine Care Centre, spoke about spinal health, back and neck pain, and the risks of sedentary ofce work. He explained how workplace ergonomics—designing workspaces to support the human body—can reduce strain and injury. Petzer also led attendees through simple exercises, encouraging regular movement during the workday.Throughout the event, attendees were given access to health screenings and practical tips to support healthier lifestyles. Topics such as heart disease, lung health, stroke, and testicular cancer were also addressed. Bringing the event to a close, Miss Sithembile Mthembu, Employee Health and Wellness Practitioner, delivered the vote of thanks. She expressed appreciation to all speakers, stakeholders, and staff for their participation and commitment to men’s wellness.“This programme is a step forward in breaking the silence around men’s health and creating a culture of care, openness, and prevention,” she said.In conclusion, the Men’s Health Awareness Day highlighted the importance of prioritising men’s health not only through annual events but through sustained education and support. By fostering open dialogue and promoting early intervention, The Department of Education reafrms its commitment to fostering a healthier and more informed work environment for all employees.2324

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MEC MR SIPHO HLOMUKA ENGAGES NATU LEADERSHIP IN FOLLOW-UP MEETING ON EDUCATION RESOLUTIONSBy: Sbani NgobeseOn 19 June 2025, the MEC for Education, Mr Sipho Hlomuka, held a crucial follow-up meeting with the leadership of the National Teachers’ Union (NATU) at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville. This meeting formed part of an ongoing dialogue to address pressing challenges within the education sector and followed a high-level engagement with the Premier held on 11 June 2025.During the meeting, Mr Hlomuka and NATU leadership revisited the proposed resolutions aimed at improving working conditions for educators, strengthening school governance, and enhancing the overall quality of teaching and learning. Both parties reafrmed their commitment to collaboration and transparent communication as they work towards sustainable solutions that will benet learners and teachers across the province.The MEC expressed appreciation for NATU’s constructive input and emphasized the 25importance of unity in tackling systemic issues in education. The discussions also touched on the implementation timelines for agreed actions and the establishment of a joint task team to monitor progress. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with a shared commitment to placing education at the forefront of the province’s development agenda.26

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Edu News June 2025 Vol 66

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