Nzimande leads back-to-school oversight visit in KZN as schools reopen

As part of his District Development Model (DDM) mandate, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, conducted an oversight visit to four schools in KwaZulu-Natal on 14 and 15 January 2026.
On the first day, the delegation visited Enhlanhleni Combined School and Reichenau Primary School to assess readiness for the academic year. Prof. Nzimande called on alumni to return to their former schools with skills and resources to uplift the next generation.
"We are placing science, technology, and innovation at the centre of education."
On the second day which concluded the oversight visit in the Harry Gwala District, the delegation visited Blessed Luanda Primary School and Dingeka Technical High School to ensure teaching and learning commenced smoothly across all levels.
At Dingeka, the focus shifted to diverse exit pathways. The Minister emphasised that the education system must cater to all strengths, noting that "there is no child who is dumb." Whether a learner is destined for a university degree or a trade test, our schools must be ready to support them. Thank you to our partners, including SAPPI and the district leadership, for supporting a successful start to the 2026 academic year.
According to the department, this initiative aligns with the National Development Plan (NDP), which calls for a collective national effort involving all stakeholders to improve learning outcomes and further support several of the government’s strategic priorities.
“It further supports government’s drive to improve learner performance, reduce dropout rates, strengthen teaching and learning, and promote mathematics and science education,” the department said. 
This initiative also serves as a critical enabler for the implementation of government’s DDM, which promotes coordinated service delivery across all spheres of government.
In his capacity as DDM champion, Nzimande seeks to use this initiative to coordinate efforts to support educational development in the Harry Gwala District.