Lighting the Path to Excellence: Sekhukhune Professionals Network and Dikenywa Tša PhutiNare Foundation Unite to Transform Education in the Province of Limpopo

By Ngwediotšwele | Contributor

Sekhukhune Region – Province of Limpopo – Republic of South Africa — Amid the stark contrast between Limpopo’s provincial education gains and Sekhukhune Region’s persistent academic struggles, a powerful movement is rising, one anchored in community resolve, educational advocacy, and the enduring spirit of giving back.

In recent years, Limpopo Province has witnessed commendable progress in matric pass rates, rising from 79.5% in 2023 to an impressive 85.1% in 2024. Yet, this provincial success belies the deeper educational crisis within the Sekhukhune region. In 2023, Sekhukhune East and South recorded pass rates of just 58.6% and 59.4%, respectively—figures that cast a long shadow over the potential of local learners.

Compounding the challenge is the broader socioeconomic landscape within the region. Sekhukhune remains one of the most underperforming districts in the province, burdened by a staggering unemployment rate of 28.17%, a glaring wealth divide marked by a Gini coefficient of 0.58, and severely limited access to higher education, with only 4% of the population holding tertiary education qualifications.

Yet, from within this adversity, a new dawn is breaking. In a bold and visionary effort, the Sekhukhune Professionals Network has joined forces with the Dikenywa Tša PhutiNare Foundation, the UNISA Law Clinic, and several other esteemed institutions to spark a transformative wave of educational upliftment across the region.

The Sekhukhune Professionals Network serves as a dynamic platform connecting professionals and businesses in the region, aimed at fostering economic development and social progress through shared expertise and collective action. Meanwhile, the Dikenywa Tša PhutiNare Foundation—established by former learners of PhutiNare Secondary School—exists to inspire and support current learners by giving back to their roots and igniting the flame of excellence.

At the heart of this mission lies the Sekhukhune Annual Matric Activation Program, a dynamic initiative launched in 2024 at Legaletlwa Secondary School. This program is more than a motivational event; it is a beacon of hope designed to inspire, prepare, and empower learners to redefine what is possible in their academic and personal lives.

As a testament to its efficacy, the inaugural event in 2024 yielded remarkable results. Prior to the intervention, Legaletlwa Secondary School had a pass rate of 13%. Following the activation program, that figure soared to an astonishing 89%. This extraordinary improvement underscores the catalytic power of focused, collaborative efforts.

Buoyed by this initial success, the movement is expanding. On 29 August 2025, the program will be hosted at PhutiNare Secondary School, with even greater community participation and institutional backing. Critically, the initiative has garnered the support of school principals, School Governing Bodies, and the Limpopo Department of Education—forging a united front to elevate educational outcomes across the Sekhukhune Region.

“We are not merely visiting schools,” said one of the organisers. “We are returning to our roots, to our alma maters, to say: ‘We believe in you. We are with you. And we expect greatness from you.’”

The vision is not confined to momentary impact. A 10-year roadmap is in development, aimed at institutionalising the initiative, identifying future host schools, and establishing sustainable programming. There is also a concerted effort to advocate for Provincial Education Department adoption, transforming the project into a lasting movement that redefines how communities engage with education.

Strategic partnerships remain pivotal. The involvement of the UNISA Law Clinic, Flying Jurists (Aviation), as well as other revered institutions has greatly enhanced the program’s practical impact. Learners are given exposure to tertiary education, legal literacy, and career opportunities—broadening their horizons and deepening their aspirations.

Socio-Economic Context: Challenges and Opportunities

Sekhukhune’s economy is anchored in its rich mineral resources, particularly platinum, chrome, and vanadium. The proposed Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ) promises to stimulate industrial growth, attract investment, and create jobs. Agriculture also plays a crucial role, with the Sekhukhune District Rural Development Plan aiming to boost rural investment and food security.

However, these potential economic drivers stand in contrast to the lived realities of many residents. Widespread unemployment, poverty, and limited access to services present significant hurdles. In response, Sekhukhune Professional Network and Dikenywa Tša PhutiNare Foundation are exploring ways to integrate critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving into learner engagement strategies.

This includes:

- Integrating socio-economic and environmental education: Educating learners about local challenges, including unemployment as well as environmental degradation.

- Bringing in industry experts and stakeholders: Hosting seminars and workshops with professionals from the mining, legal, and academic fields.

- Fostering innovation: Encouraging learners to develop solutions to the region’s challenges.

- Promoting entrepreneurship: Empowering youth to conceptualize and develop viable business ideas tied to local needs.

As the matric year unfolds, learners face the enormous task of preparing for their final exams—a time often fraught with anxiety, pressure, and self-doubt. Yet within this period lies an opportunity for growth, discovery, and transformation.

The Matric Activation Program is built on principles of empowerment, resilience, and purpose. It urges learners to seize the moment, to recognize their agency, and to embrace the discipline, curiosity, and courage required for success. The organisers see the matric year not simply as a finish line, but as a formative turning point—a launchpad into adulthood and leadership.

By igniting a passion for learning, nurturing personal growth, and instilling a sense of possibility, the program aims to produce not just pass rates but future managers, engineers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and executives. Especially in the context of Sekhukhune’s mining-based economy, learners have the opportunity to become future custodians of industries that define the region’s prosperity.

In the end, this initiative is about more than just numbers. It is about reclaiming the narrative of an entire generation: shifting from marginalisation to empowerment, from despair to dignity. Support from government, civil society, and corporate South Africa is no longer optional—it is a moral imperative.

Sekhukhune Region may have been the province’s underperformer in recent years, but through unity, vision, and relentless action, it now dares to lead a provincial revolution: “one learner at a time.” We envision a future where each individual within the region “starts and ignites each day with a sense of purpose, and illuminates each night with a sense of accomplishment.”