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.

FROM PENINGHOTSA TO THE WORLD

Xilombe Xivuri's Inspiring Journey to the Global Spelling Bee in China

By Conny Mabunda

Dreams do not become reality by chance, they are built by just one word, one challenge and one victory at a time. For one Limpopo learner, a passion for spelling has unlocked doors to the global stage, proving that determination and discipline can take you anywhere in the world.

Seventeen-year-old Xilombe Xivuri, a Grade 12 learner at St Brendan's Catholic Secondary School in the Capricorn North Education District, has become a shining example of excellence after representing both South Africa and Limpopo at the Global Spelling Bee Competition in China.
For Xilombe, competing against some of the world's brightest young minds was more than just an international competition, it was the fulfilment of a dream and a defining moment in her academic journey.

"Competing in China meant that I am already a champion. It showed me that doors are open and that I now have the ability to face challenges with knowledge, not fear. This is a moment where my dreams are turning into achievable goals," she said.
Her love for spelling began after watching the inspirational film Akeelah and the Bee, which sparked a passion for reading and learning new words. Inspired by the story, she entered her first spelling bee competition in Grade 10 at the age of 15. She consistently claimed first position throughout Grade 10 and 11, earning opportunities to represent South Africa at the African Spelling Bee in Botswana and Zimbabwe before advancing to the global competition in China.
Reflecting on her journey, Xilombe says the experience has shaped her beyond academics. “I remember the Minister telling us in Pretoria that every child should read and read for meaning. Spelling Bee helped me become a fluent reader and gave me a deeper understanding of different concepts,” she explained.

One of the most valuable lessons she brought home was the importance of teamwork. This was confirmed by a common African Proverb that has produced winners over the years.
“If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together, “that message stayed with me because our team achieved far more together than we could have individually. Even today, I live by those words," she added.

Her coach, Mr Kingsley Sebola, believes Xilombe's success is the result of dedication, discipline and a commitment to continuous improvement.
“We focused on consistent practice, discipline and regular mock competitions. Her journey started at school level, progressed to the provincial competition then the African Spelling Bee and finally the Global Spelling Bee in China. She stood out because of her determination, confidence, hard work and willingness to learn," he said.

Mr Sebola says Xilombe’s success sends a powerful message about the calibre of learners produced in Limpopo.
“This achievement proves that learners from Limpopo can compete with the best in the world. My advice to other learners is to dream big, stay disciplined, read every day, believe in yourself and invest in your knowledge," he encouraged.

Although the competition has come to an end, Xilombe's remarkable journey continues to inspire learners across the province. Her story is a reminder that with passion, perseverance and the courage to dream beyond borders, learners from Limpopo can stand proudly among the very best in the world.

MANDELA MONTH OUTREACH AT RIDOSHUMA COMMUNITY ECD

By Katlego Mashula

In celebration of Nelson Mandela Day and in honour of the late statesman’s enduring legacy of service, compassion and community upliftment, the Limpopo Department of Education in partnership with ETDP SETA, conducted an outreach programme at Ridoshuma Community ECD at Ha-Kutama under the Vhembe West Education District.

The initiative formed part of ongoing efforts to support Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre and ensure that young learners are provided with a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment in which they can grow and learn. The outreach programme reflected the values championed by Nelson Mandela, whose vision for a better society continues to inspire acts of kindness and service across the country.

During the visit, officials from the Department and ETDP SETA rolled up their sleeves and participated in various community service activities aimed at improving the learning environment at the crèche. Among the activities undertaken was the painting of the facility, helping to restore and enhance the appearance of the centre while creating a more welcoming space for children.

To further support teaching and learning at the facility, the delegation donated a range of essential educational and recreational resources. These included mattresses, educational ABC blocks, learning charts, jumbo wax crayons, soccer balls and cleaning hampers. The donations are expected to contribute significantly to the development of young learners by promoting creativity, literacy, physical activity and overall wellbeing.

Matamela Tshifhiwa, a parent at the centre showed gratitude to the department for the donation.
“I am grateful to the department for choosing our creche. I hope this treatment does’nt stop with us and other crèches continue to receive and get support from the Department as this is a priceless gesture.”

Head of Department, Maropene Seshibe, highlighte the importance of investing in the early years of a child’s development.
“Mandela Day reminds us that meaningful change begins with simple acts of service. By supporting our Early Childhood Development centres, we are investing in the future of our province and creating opportunities for every child to learn, grow and succeed. It is through partnerships and collective action that we can build stronger communities and a brighter future for our children,” said HoD Seshibe.

The outreach programme not only brought much-needed resources to the centre but also strengthened the spirit of community involvement and collective responsibility in supporting children’s education and development.

As the Limpopo Department of Education continues to advance its vision for quality education, initiatives such as these remain central to ensuring that no child is left behind. The Mandela Day outreach at Ridoshuma Early Learning Centre serves as a reminder that small acts of service can have a lasting impact on the lives of young learners and the communities they call home.