Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina began her 2026 back-to-school campaign by encouraging learners at KwaNxusa High School in Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal, to pursue STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Gina emphasised the critical role of STEM in developing innovative solutions and strengthening critical thinking, aiming to inspire rural innovators.

Gina addressed the learners, urging them to embrace emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

She emphasised that these innovations are not only reshaping the world but are also vital for strengthening the critical thinking skills necessary to tackle societal challenges.

“We have so many challenges. Sometimes it gets very hot, and you don’t know what is happening; it rains, and we experience a lot of floods. There are so many things and solutions that we need to be given so that we understand what is happening in the whole world,” Gina said. 

“Through the STEM subjects, we are getting those solutions. Those are the subjects that we say cause you to sit and think almost all the time, wanting to bring solutions to the challenges the whole globe is facing. Those are the subjects that make you curious because you must be asking yourself what ever happened in life. You ask how this happened? What happened? Just look at that fire that started over there. We all must ask ourselves.” 

Gina said science is about understanding the critical things happening around us. For example, if you observe bushes growing in one area but not another, that is a scientific inquiry. You need to ask: why is the vegetation so lush here, yet sparse there? The solutions and answers we seek will emerge through your critical thinking and investigation of these natural phenomena.

She also announced that the department will hold a career expo at the school sometime this quarter. This initiative is designed to introduce learners in the rural community to various science-related professions, such as aviation, astronomy, and space science. The expo will assist Grade 10 learners as they prepare to choose their subjects.

KwaNxusa High School, located in rural Melmoth, is one of the top-performing schools, boasting over 1,200 learners. The school has maintained a Grade 12 pass rate of approximately 90% since 2022. In 2025, the school achieved a pass rate of over 96%, despite its challenges, including inadequate ablution facilities for girls and limited sporting infrastructure. 

Of the 197 learners who wrote the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, only seven learners missed the mark. The results included 104 Bachelor’s passes and 62 diploma passes, showcasing the school’s academic excellence.

During her visit, Gina learned of a suspected arson attack in the school’s staff room. 

“The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation will continue, by all means possible, to support this school to ensure that it remains a centre of excellence,” Gina said. 

She also donated 20 boxes of printing paper and 20 calculators to assist learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Highlighting the significance of partnerships, Gina acknowledged Sappi’s support for the school and emphasised that collaboration between the government and the private sector is crucial for improving educational outcomes in rural areas.

Sappi’s community liaison officer, Nkosingiphile Ngidi, agreed on the essential role of public-private partnerships in the country’s socio-economic growth. Accordingly, Sappi is dedicated to creating an enduring positive effect on communities.

“We remain committed to contributing to initiatives that uplift communities and address social challenges through education,” Ngidi said. 

Grade 11 learner Lwangenel’uthando Mthimkhulu emphasised the need for learners to select STEM subjects.

“Choosing science gives us the ability to innovate and contribute solutions to real-world challenges, especially in a time when technology and artificial intelligence are becoming part of everyday life,” Lwangenel’uthando said.

Principal, Mr Ntshangase, welcomed the department’s support and committed to achieving a 100% Grade 12 pass rate in 2026.

“We also plan to increase the number of learners taking science subjects by expanding the number of classes offering these subjects from Grade 10 in 2026, guided by learner categorisation,” Ntshangase said.

Mathematics teacher Zama Buthelezi expressed thanks for the calculators, noting that they will aid learners’ subject understanding.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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