Sekhukhune Professionals Network and Dikenywa Tša PhutiNare Foundation: Lighting the Path to Excellence in Sekhukhune

By Mpho Dube-Editor in Chief

In the heart of South Africa's Limpopo Province, a region grappling with educational challenges and socioeconomic disparities, a powerful movement is rising.

The Sekhukhune Professionals Network and the Dikenywa Tša PhutiNare Foundation have joined forces to transform education in the region. Their initiative, the Sekhukhune Annual Matric Activation Program, is a dynamic effort to inspire, prepare, and empower learners to redefine what's possible in their academic and personal lives.

Despite Limpopo Province's commendable progress in matric pass rates, rising from 79.5% in 2023 to 85.1% in 2024, the Sekhukhune region continues to struggle. In 2023, Sekhukhune East and South recorded pass rates of just 58.6% and 59.4%, respectively. The region's socioeconomic landscape is marked by high unemployment rates (28.17%) and limited access to higher education, with only 4% of the population holding tertiary education qualifications ¹.

The Sekhukhune Annual Matric Activation Program was launched in 2024 at Legaletlwa Secondary School, with remarkable results. Prior to the intervention, the school's pass rate was 13%. Following the program, that figure soared to an astonishing 89%. This success has sparked a wave of hope, and the movement is expanding. On August 29, 2025, the program will be hosted at PhutiNare Secondary School, with increased community participation and institutional backing.

The program's impact extends beyond academic achievement. It's designed to:

- Integrate socio-economic and environmental education: Educating learners about local challenges and opportunities, such as sustainable development initiatives and environmental conservation efforts in the region.

- Foster innovation: Encouraging learners to develop solutions to regional challenges, like infrastructure development and access to basic services.

- Promote entrepreneurship: Empowering youth to conceptualize and develop viable business ideas tied to local needs, with support from initiatives like the Sekhukhune Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator.

The initiative has garnered support from school principals, School Governing Bodies, and the Limpopo Department of Education. A 10-year roadmap is being developed to institutionalize the initiative and establish sustainable programming. The vision is to produce not just pass rates but future leaders, managers, engineers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and executives who can drive the region's prosperity.

This initiative is about more than just numbers; it's about reclaiming the narrative of an entire generation. By igniting a passion for learning, nurturing personal growth, and instilling a sense of possibility, the program aims to shift the region from marginalization to empowerment, from despair to dignity. With unity, vision, and relentless action, Sekhukhune Region is poised to lead a provincial revolution, one learner at a time.

The Sekhukhune District Municipality plays a crucial role in supporting initiatives like the Sekhukhune Annual Matric Activation Program. The municipality is dedicated to promoting economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Local municipalities, such as Fetakgomo Tubatse and Ephraim Mogale, are also working to address challenges like unemployment and access to basic services.

Initiatives like the Sekhukhune Artisan Academy provide comprehensive training programs for aspiring electricians, diesel mechanics, welders, and other trades. These programs aim to equip individuals with the skills needed to contribute to the local economy and infrastructure, promoting self-employment and job creation.

The partnership between the Sekhukhune Professionals Network and the Dikenywa Tša PhutiNare Foundation is a beacon of hope in a region struggling to overcome educational challenges. With its focus on empowering learners, fostering innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship, the Sekhukhune Annual Matric Activation Program has the potential to transform the lives of countless young people. As the initiative continues to grow and expand, it's clear that the future of Sekhukhune's learners is bright, and the region is poised to lead a provincial revolution in education.