The MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development & Land Reform, Ms. Mase Manopole, who also serves as Acting MEC for Department of Health, joined by Joe Morolong Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Dineo Leutlwetse, officially launched the 2026 Academic Year at K.S. Shuping High School and Khiba High School in Tsineng.
The programme included engagements with school management and the School Governing Body (SGB), class monitoring, and direct interaction with Grade 12 learners to assess and strengthen their academic readiness for the 2026 school year. As part of government’s commitment to learner dignity and support, the MEC led the distribution of comfort packs and sanitary towels to previously disadvantaged learners. The programme further highlighted environmental sustainability initiatives, including tree planting, garden establishment, and the donation of litter bins to promote environmental responsibility within the school. K.S. Shuping High School has demonstrated notable academic progress. In the most recent matric results, the school achieved an 82.9% pass rate, exceeding the 2025 target of 80%. This marks a significant improvement from 74.8% in the previous year, reflecting an increase of 8.1 percentage points. These results affirm that excellence is attainable, even under challenging circumstances.
The MEC congratulated the Class of 2025 and encouraged the 2026 academic Grade 12 learners at Khiba High School to aim higher and pursue careers that contribute to building a modern, growing and successful province. The MEC also addressed critical issues affecting learner safety and well-being, including bullying, gender-based violence, and substance abuse, while emphasising the importance of promoting inclusive and supportive learning environments. The visit reinforced a zero-tolerance stance on all forms of violence, discrimination, and intolerance in schools, ensuring that every learner feels safe, respected, valued and empowered to learn. MEC committed R100 000 towards textbooks and furniture at the school.
In her remarks, the MEC reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting the school in enhancing quality education while fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental consciousness. In addition, MEC planted trees to strengthen food security, promote self-sufficiency, and improve access to healthy nutrition within our communities
