IN CONVESARTION WITH VERONICA MOHAPLlOA (Dept. of Science and Innovation)
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The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr
11:10
Nomalungelo Gina, is embarking on a multi-day Back-to-School Campaign
across KwaZulu-Natal from 2 to 4 February 2026. The initiative forms part of
government’s annual programme to reaffirm education as a national priority
and to assess school readiness at the start of the academic year.
Schools across South Africa reopened on 14 January, against a backdrop of
persistent challenges including infrastructure backlogs, uneven learner
performance in mathematics and science, educator shortages, and concerns
around learner preparedness for a rapidly changing economy. The Back-to-
School Campaign is intended not only to monitor readiness, but also to engage
directly with learners, educators and school management on the importance of
education as a foundation for social and economic development.
Dr Gina’s programme places particular emphasis on Mathematics, Science,
and pathways into Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) careers —
sectors that government views as critical for South Africa’s future
competitiveness and job creation. By visiting schools across King Cetshwayo,
iLembe and eThekwini districts, the Deputy Minister aims to motivate
learners, understand on-the-ground challenges, and reinforce the link between
classroom learning and real-world opportunities in innovation-driven fields.
The campaign also highlights broader questions about how effectively South
Africa is nurturing talent in STEM subjects, especially in public schools, and
whether current interventions are sufficient to close gaps in access, quality,
and outcomes.
11:10
Nomalungelo Gina, is embarking on a multi-day Back-to-School Campaign
across KwaZulu-Natal from 2 to 4 February 2026. The initiative forms part of
government’s annual programme to reaffirm education as a national priority
and to assess school readiness at the start of the academic year.
Schools across South Africa reopened on 14 January, against a backdrop of
persistent challenges including infrastructure backlogs, uneven learner
performance in mathematics and science, educator shortages, and concerns
around learner preparedness for a rapidly changing economy. The Back-to-
School Campaign is intended not only to monitor readiness, but also to engage
directly with learners, educators and school management on the importance of
education as a foundation for social and economic development.
Dr Gina’s programme places particular emphasis on Mathematics, Science,
and pathways into Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) careers —
sectors that government views as critical for South Africa’s future
competitiveness and job creation. By visiting schools across King Cetshwayo,
iLembe and eThekwini districts, the Deputy Minister aims to motivate
learners, understand on-the-ground challenges, and reinforce the link between
classroom learning and real-world opportunities in innovation-driven fields.
The campaign also highlights broader questions about how effectively South
Africa is nurturing talent in STEM subjects, especially in public schools, and
whether current interventions are sufficient to close gaps in access, quality,
and outcomes.
