Deputy Minister Conducts School Functionality Oversight in the iLembe District

Article by Tseke Masemola, Photographs by Mahlogonolo Makwela

15 January 2026

The start of the 2026 school year was marked by renewed optimism in the iLembe District of KwaZulu-Natal, as the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Sihle Zikalala, conducted a School Functionality Oversight Programme from 14 January 2026. The oversight formed part of the Department’s back-to-school initiative, and provided the Deputy Minister with first-hand insight into the state of school infrastructure and institutional readiness for the academic year.

Over two days, four schools were visited: Hloniphani High School and Chief Ngonyama Secondary School on Day 1, followed by Tshelenkosi Secondary School and GroutVille High School on Day 2. The programme focused on assessing the functionality and condition of critical facilities, including classrooms, sanitation, safety features and overall learning environments, while also engaging directly with School Management Teams and learners.

The Deputy Minister was accompanied by a delegation that included Durban Regional Manager, Nkosi Vilakazi, DPWI officials, councillors and community leaders. The visit reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to building functional schools and nurturing future-ready learners across the iLembe District. Despite ongoing financial and infrastructural challenges, such as ageing windows, limited laboratory facilities, inadequate fencing and shortages of classroom equipment, many of the schools recorded strong academic performance, with pass rates ranging from the high 80s to the 90s. This underscored the resilience and dedication of educators and learners who continue to excel under challenging conditions.

At Tshelenkosi Secondary School, which achieved a 96.7% matric pass rate in 2025, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of inclusive learner support. He highlighted the need to identify and assist learners who did not meet the required standard to ensure that no child is left behind. Commending the school community, Zikalala remarked; “You have lifted KwaZulu-Natal and the iLembe District through your dedication to high standards of educational excellence,” reinforcing the vital role schools play in sustaining the dignity and future of their communities.

GroutVille High School was recognised as a District Development Model (DDM) Champion, after 465 of its 473 matriculants passed in 2025, achieving an impressive 98.3% pass rate. With a learner population of approximately 2,800, the school was applauded for its positive societal impact and commitment to learner development, despite challenges such as insufficient sanitation capacity and limited science laboratory facilities. The Deputy Minister further noted the remarkable progress of the iLembe District, which has risen from being among the lowest-performing districts in 2019 to becoming one of the top achievers nationally.

Throughout the oversight visit, Deputy Minister Zikalala underscored the importance of linking education to skills development through the DPWI School Programme. The programme supports learners pursuing careers in Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying and Urban Planning. Learners in Grades 10 to 12 were encouraged to apply for DPWI bursary opportunities, and the Deputy Minister committed to continued engagement with schools to fast-track infrastructure improvements and strengthen learner support in South Africa.