Makhanda's Transformation: Aiming for National Education Excellence

In the heart of South Africa's Eastern Cape lies Makhanda, a city on the brink of an educational metamorphosis spearheaded by Rhodes University. With unwavering determination, Makhanda aspires to rise from its previous ranking as one of the country's lowest-performing educational districts to a visionary world-class education hub.

The recent Makhanda Education Summit, held on 27 January, was a testament to these efforts, celebrating the significant advancements the city has made in revamping its educational infrastructure – from early childhood development to higher education. The brainchild of this movement, Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, has been at the forefront since 2013, committed to the prosperity of Makhanda's future generations.

Since his inauguration in 2016, Prof. Mabizela and a coalition of brilliant educational minds have been steadfast in their quest to envelop the city in a culture of academic excellence. Their plan, driven by collaboration with educators, NGOs, and civil society groups, is manifesting results. With a city-wide engagement, they have positioned Makhanda to become a leading force in the national education sphere.

The city has witnessed remarkable results, with a striking 80% matric pass rate in 2023 and an impressive jump in bachelor's passes. Additionally, the literacy levels among Grade 4 learners have soared above the national average, with 40% now able to read for meaning.

Key to Makhanda's success has been initiatives like the Nine-Tenths mentorship programme by Rhodes University, where university students guide and encourage matric learners in navigating their academic challenges. This initiative taps into the academic wealth of the city, given that Rhodes University encompasses a significant population portion and Makhanda being home to premier private schools.

Dr. Ashley Westaway, education manager at Gadra Education, praises the strategy of combining the city’s intellectual resources with a community-wide commitment to educational participation. This partnership-centric approach has led to Makhanda's impressive academic outcomes, with Rhodes University enrollment for local scholars catapulting from a mere 12 in 2011 to over 164 in 2023.

Prof. Mabizela highlights that universities play a crucial role in enhancing the basic education system, underscoring the importance of establishing a strong academic foundation for young learners. Investment at the foundational levels of education, rather than in the latter stages, is deemed essential for preparing students for higher education success.

A proponent of proactive action over lamentation, Prof. Mabizela believes in lighting the way forward. The overarching goal is for Makhanda to be recognized nationally as a unique and influential educational hub, embodying the Ubuntu values of togetherness and community. By 2028, Makhanda aims to be the prime education city in South Africa, a dream that, given the city’s recent strides, is well within grasp.