Back to School Programme Sets the Tone for the 2026 Academic Year

The Back to School Programme, a three-day Executive Committee (EXCO) initiative aimed at assessing school readiness and strengthening support for learners and educators as the 2026 academic year gets underway, has concluded successfully in the Sarah Baartman District.

The programme formed part of government’s broader District Development Model (DDM) approach, bringing together national, provincial and local leadership to engage directly with schools, identify challenges, and ensure a coordinated response to issues affecting education across the district.

Over the three days, delegations visited several schools across the district. The MEC for Social Development and Provincial DDM Champion for Sarah Baartman District, Hon. B. Fanta, together with the Executive Mayor of SBDM, Cllr Deon de Vos, members of the Mayoral Executive Committee, and local municipal leadership, conducted oversight visits to schools including Bongweni Primary School in Alexandria, Isibane Primary School in Graaff-Reinet and Daleview Primary School in Steytlerville.

In parallel, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and National DDM Champion, Hon. B. Holomisa, led delegations to Tsitsikamma High School, Langkloof Senior Secondary School and Coldstream Secondary School, accompanied by SBDM portfolio councillors and local mayors, reinforcing national government’s support for education within the district.

During the engagements, stakeholders interacted with school management teams, educators, learners and parents. Key issues addressed included school infrastructure challenges, educator and support staff vacancies, substance abuse, undocumented learners, learner admissions, and general school preparedness. These discussions allowed government leaders to gain firsthand insight into the realities faced by schools and to commit to collaborative solutions with the Department of Education and other relevant stakeholders.

Despite the challenges highlighted, there was an overall positive outlook, with many schools demonstrating readiness, resilience and determination to deliver quality education in 2026. The programme also emphasized the importance of learner discipline, educator support, parental involvement and community partnerships in ensuring academic success.

The final day of the programme marked the official conclusion of the Back to School visits, formally setting the 2026 academic year in motion across the Sarah Baartman District.

The Sarah Baartman District Municipality extends its best wishes to all learners, educators and school communities for a successful, productive and safe 2026 academic year, and reaffirms its commitment to working with all spheres of government to support education and youth development in the district.