KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, the Honourable Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, delivered a keynote address at the Inkosi uMtubatuba Mayoral Excellence Awards, held at Inkosi Mzondeni Civic Centre, KwaMsane, on the 16^th February 2025, wherein she commended the 2024 Matric class from uMkhanyakude District for overcoming formidable obstacles to achieve the third-highest matric pass rate nationwide. As the District Champion, kaMadlopha-Mthethwa attributed these accomplishments to a collaborative effort involving the business sector, municipalities, parents and learners. She extended her sincerest gratitude to the educators, who, despite the socio-economic challenges affecting learners in their homes and communities, went above and beyond to support their students.

"This was a collective effort that has put uMkhanyakude District on the country's map. Education is indeed a societal matter. Our District, uMkhanyakude, is now ranked number one in KwaZulu-Natal after achieving a 92.8 percent matric pass rate, surpassing the province's average pass rate."

"As a former teacher and principal, I am aware of the challenges of teaching, particularly in schools lacking resources such as libraries, laboratories, computer labs, and learner support materials. Teachers often use their own funds to assist learners, forking out from their own pockets, sometimes teaching during odd hours without compensation, including weekends. Teachers exceed expectations to ensure their students' well-being."