Speaking Notes by the Honourable Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources

Mr Gwede Mantashe 

 

Back to School Programme

Chester Farm, Dannhauser

14 January 2026

 

Programme Director, 

Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Ms Phumzile Mgcina,

Mayor of Dannhauser Local Municipality, Cllr Bongani Hadebe,

Principals, teachers and education workers,

Representatives of government departments and SOEs,

Members of the School Governing Bodies,

Learners

 

Let me begin by congratulating the Matric class of 2025, and in particular the KwaZulu-Natal Province, for the commendable results that were achieved.

We trust that the class of 2026 will take the baton forward and not only maintain these achievements but improve upon them.

Today marks the official opening of schools across the country, signaling the commencement of teaching and learning for the 2026 academic year. l

Recognizing the importance of this day – and education as a fundamental human right - government initiated the Back-to-School Programme to motivate and support learners, teachers, and SGBs as they begin the academic year.

A key pillar of this programme is collaboration. It brings together government, the private sector, and communities to ensure that our schools are ready for the year ahead, while also providing essential learning materials to learners.

It is for this reason that we are joined by various mining and petroleum companies, as well as State-Owned Entities, who have partnered with us to provide essential school supplies at Nyanyadu Primary School and Ingabade High School.

These contributions are a clear demonstration of corporate citizenship and an appreciation of the collective responsibility we all carry to ensure that every child is afforded the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their poor household economic status.

Whereas we extend our gratitude to the companies that have contributed today – both those operating in this region and those from elsewhere, we continue to urge mining companies operating in this area to take leadership in such initiatives, as they strengthen community relations and contribute to sustainable coexistence with host communities.

For its part, government remains committed to advancing policies that seek to build a better life for all, and to guarantee fundamental human rights, including access to quality education and healthcare.  

We continue to open the doors of learning for all - at no direct cost to parents, but at significant cost to the state. Today, millions of learners attend no-fee schools, and over 9 million children receive a daily meal through the National School Nutrition Programme.

Government has also expanded access to higher education. Through the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), we fund close to one million students who would otherwise not be able to afford tertiary education. In many households where there was once no hope of a graduate, there are now graduates contributing meaningfully to society and the economy.

These interventions are made possible, among others, by the mining and petroleum sector through the payment of taxes and royalties, which enable the state to fund education, healthcare, and social development programmes.  

In addition, mining companies are also expected to contribute directly to the socio-economic upliftment of communities through the effective implementation of their Social and Labour Plans (SLPs).

Let us continue working together towards attainting a better life for all. There is no doubt that these school essentials will go a long way in supporting the development, dignity and confidence of these learners.  

I thank you.