Awards day for Mkhulise schools

The 2026 Mkhulise Awards Day, hosted at the Beier factory on 24 February, brought together principals, senior management teams and service providers for a combined planning and recognition session.

The Mkhulise programme is a long-term partnership working across the full education value chain — from ECD to Grade 12 and post-school transition. It strengthens school leadership, teaching practice, learner support and digital readiness, all guided by clear improvement targets. Progress is tracked carefully to ensure accountability and sustained gains. The goal is systemic improvement that prepares learners for the new world of work.

The morning was deliberately forward-looking. Schools worked through 2026 priorities, including fundraising, resource management, team development, governance strengthening and quality enhancement. Digital literacy and alternative pathways for Grade 8 learners were highlighted as system-wide challenges. The message was clear: results matter, but they are produced by robust institutional practice.

The awards session, addressed by Mr Warren Sachs of Beier and Circuit Manager Ms Msomi, recognised performance across multiple dimensions. Sithokozile Secondary was acknowledged for achieving a 100% NSC pass rate and leading secondary results. Kranskloof Primary received the award for best overall primary results, reflecting strong Grade 3 and Grade 7 learner outcomes above the 50% threshold

Buhlebemfundo High and Mzwamandla Primary were recognised as most improved in their respective phases. Excellence in digital integration was also recognised, with Mcopheleli and Phephile Primary sharing the award for best digital performance across the ten participating schools.

Ekujabuleni, Khulugqame, Illanga and Umqhele were commended for laying the foundations for future success — an acknowledgement that sustainable improvement often begins with strengthened systems and leadership

The Mkhulise-Hans Beier Floating Shield for overall best performance was awarded to Buhlebemfundo High, reflecting the strongest combination of academic results and sound supporting practices in teaching and school management

From 2026, the Awards will expand to include Early Childhood Development centres within the Mkhulise network. The day reinforced a simple principle. School improvement is not an event; it is a structured, cumulative process. Awards should celebrate academic outcomes - but equally, they affirm the practices that make those results sustainable.