On 2 February 2026, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) joined the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, in KwaZulu-Natal for the 2026 Back-to-School campaign. The campaign forms part of the South African government’s annual programme aimed at reaffirming education as a national priority and assessing school readiness at the start of the academic year.
The Deputy Minister, together with Ms Bongiwe Moni, HSRC Director: External Capacity Development and Internships, engaged with school management teams and educators, and addressed learners on the critical role of education in shaping South Africa’s future. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of Mathematics, Science, and pathways into Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), as well as the Social Sciences.
The engagements took place at Inanda Seminary Girls’ High School and Anton Lembede Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Academy, where learners were encouraged to pursue academic excellence and to consider careers that contribute to national development.
In line with its commitment to supporting academic excellence and drawing from its slogan “Social Sciences That Make a Difference”, the HSRC contributed to the initiative through the donation of bags, books, and pens to support learners as they begin the 2026 academic year.
