PREMIER RAMATHUBA LEADS CAMPAIGN TO TACKLE TEENAGE PREGNANCY, SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND BULLYING

By Katlego Mashula

“If you can quit for a day,you can quit for a long time,a child who falls victim to drugs, bullying or teenage pregnancy risks losing more than just a school year, an opportunity to build the future they dream of. Those were the words of Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, alongside MEC for Education Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, leading a powerful Teenage Pregnancy, Substance Abuse and Anti-Bullying Awareness Campaign at Raluswielo Secondary School in the Vhembe East Education District.

The campaign brought together learners from Mphaphuli Secondary, Raluswielo Secondary, Mbilwi Secondary and Nthetsheleseni Secondary schools, as government intensified efforts to confront the social challenges threatening the wellbeing, education and future prospects of young people.

With Vhembe identified as a critical hotspot for substance abuse, the campaign placed strong emphasis on prevention, awareness and early intervention. Learners were urged to understand the dangers and consequences of substance abuse and teenage pregnancy, while making responsible choices that safeguard their education and future.

The campaign further highlighted the harmful effects of bullying, encouraging learners to reject all forms of bullying and to become active participants in creating safer, more respectful and supportive school environments.

MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, reminded learners that the choices they make today have the power to shape their opportunities and determine the direction of their future. She encouraged learners to remain focused on their education and to make positive choices despite peer pressure. “I encourage you to resist negative peer pressure, stay away from drugs, speak out against bullying, remain committed to your studies and pursue your dreams with determination. Your future is in your hands and every positive choice you make today brings you closer to the future you deserve,” said MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya.

Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba warned learners against the dangers of substance abuse and bullying, reaffirming government’s commitment to creating safe and conducive learning environments. Ramathuba assured learners that cases of bullying would be treated with the seriousness they deserve and that appropriate action would be taken to ensure justice. “It remains our promise that we will continue to clean our schools of drugs. Remember, no school can give you results; your success depends on the choices you make. If you choose to stay away from substances and focus on your books, you will see the results of your hard work. Bullying has no place in our schools. Together, let us protect the legacy of the Vhembe East Education If you District, restore hope and create schools where every learner feels safe, respected and able to succeed,” concluded Premier Ramathuba.

The campaign reflects government’s continued commitment to working with schools, communities and young people to address social challenges at their roots and ensure that learners are given the support they need to thrive.

DEPARTMENT HOST STAKEHOLDERS TO BRIDGE THE RURAL EDUCATION GAP

By Conny Mabunda

In a quest to address the impact of past colonial education system , Education department in Limpopo in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education hosted a two-day session Inter-Provincial Rural Education Committee (IPREC) meeting at Mapungubwe National Park in Vhembe East Education District.

For a learner growing up in a rural community, access to quality education can often mean overcoming challenges that extend beyond the classroom.The department has intensified its efforts to break the barriers of limited resources, infrastructure constraints, access to technology and lack of exposure to specialised learning opportunities which has for a longer period of time affected the educational journey of learners in rural schools.
The two-day meeting brought together education stakeholders from Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free state , Northern Cape, North West , Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces to reflect on the realities facing learners in rural communities and share strategies aimed at improving the quality of education and creating better opportunities for learners in rural and underserved areas.
Rural communities are also home to talented, ambitious and resilient learners whose potential can transform their families and communities when given the right opportunities.

It is against this backdrop that education stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on strengthening rural education, sharing innovative solutions and finding practical ways to ensure that every learner, regardless of where they live, has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Rural education is not only about addressing challenges, it is about unlocking potential, building stronger communities and creating pathways for learners to participate meaningfully in the economy and society.

Welcoming delegates to Limpopo, the circuit manager standing in for Vhembe West District Director emphasised the importance of using the gathering to look beyond geographical boundaries and focus on practical solutions that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of rural learners. “The park invited us to look beyond boundaries,” was the message shared with delegates, highlighting the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing and collective action in addressing challenges experienced by rural schools.

Over the two days, participants shared experiences, programmes and innovative approaches that can be implemented to strengthen teaching and learning in rural communities. Discussions focused on turning shared knowledge into practical interventions that respond directly to the needs of learners and schools.

Among the key areas discussed was the need to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in rural schools. Participants highlighted the importance of ensuring that learners in rural areas have access to science laboratories, mathematics and science programmes, as well as high-tech learning opportunities including coding and robotics.

The committee also explored the role of agricultural schools and rural communities in promoting practical learning and economic opportunities. Rural schools can make better use of available land by establishing school gardens and introducing agricultural activities that allow learners to gain practical skills while exploring ways of generating income through agricultural practices.
The discussions further highlighted the importance of strengthening learner participation in Mathematics, with participants reflecting on the challenges and barriers that contribute to declining participation and exploring strategies that could encourage more learners to pursue the subject.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the implementation of the National Framework for Rural Education, with progress and challenges being considered as stakeholders work towards ensuring that rural education receives the attention and support it requires.

A key message emerging from the meeting was that improving rural education cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires collaboration between provincial and national education departments, schools, communities.
By sharing successful strategies and identifying interventions that can be adapted to different rural contexts, the IPREC meeting seeks to contribute towards an education system where a learner's geographical location does not determine the quality of education or opportunities available to them.
The two-day engagement therefore served as more than a platform for discussions. It was an opportunity to turn shared knowledge into action and reaffirm the commitment to improving the lives and educational outcomes of learners in rural communities.
Through collaboration, innovation and practical solutions, rural education can become a pathway to greater opportunities, improved livelihoods and a brighter future for every learner.

LIMPOPO EDUCATION INTENSIFIES SMART ADMIT ROADSHOW AHEAD OF 2027 ONLINE ADMISSION OPENING

Conny Mabunda and Katlego Mashula

As part of the Year of Transformation and Development, Limpopo MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, led the provincial SMART ADMIT Online Admission Roadshow, taking the Department's learner admission services directly to communities ahead of the official opening of the 2027 online admission application process.
The roadshow recently visited Makhado Crossing Mall in the Vhembe West Education District, where parents and guardians received first-hand guidance on how to navigate the SMART ADMIT Online Admission System. Departmental officials demonstrated the application process, answered questions and assisted parents in preparing for the upcoming admissions circle.

The campaign continued at Masingita Mall in the Mopani East Education District, where officials provided hands-on support to parents and guardians applying for Grade R, 1 and 8 admissions for the 2027 academic year. The initiative aims to equip parents and guardians with the knowledge and confidence needed to complete their online applications successfully once the system goes live.

Marking the beginning of the 2027 learner admission process, the SMART ADMIT Online Admission System will officially open for applications on 27 July 2026 and closes on 31 August 2026. The system has been designed to simplify applications, improve accessibility and provide a more efficient and transparent learner placement process across the province.

The Department has encouraged all parents and guardians to make use of the roadshows to familiarise themselves with the online application process and receive assistance before applications officially open. Officials are also assisting parents with the required documentation and addressing any challenges that may affect successful applications.

The SMART ADMIT Roadshow will continue to various districts and public spaces across Limpopo in the coming days, ensuring that more communities benefit from the awareness campaign and practical support. Through this initiative, the Department remains committed to bringing government services closer to the people and ensuring that every eligible learner has an equal opportunity to secure placement for the 2027 academic year.

The Department continues to advance quality service delivery and transform learner admissions through innovation and accessibility.