Two secondary schools in Phiritona Heilbron were visited by Free State Education MEC Dr Maboya and Deputy Minister for the Department of Tourism Maggie Sotyu, together with Executive Mayors of the Fezile Dabi District and Ngwathe Local Municipalities, Councillors Dennis Khasudi and Victoria De Beer- Mthombeni on Friday the 23rd January 2026.
At Phiritona Secondary School MEC Dr Maboya addressed the staff and learners of this school, encouraging them to pursue a 100% pass and increase bachelor passes for the Class of 2026; while strengthening performance from grade 8 in all subjects.
MEC said the school is celebrated also for its prestige rich history as it is one of the first secondary schools in the Free State province and it continues to hold up its rich history with pride and excellence.
Phiritona Secondary School, obtaining a 92% pass rate in 2025, and recording a speedy increase in the participation of gateway subjects like Mathematics and Physical Science.
“The results of a school are a reflection of the calibre of it’s leadership. Thank you Principal Mr Metseng and your management team and thank you also to your teachers because, teachers are the backbone of our system. Let us continue to strive for excellence because education is the lever we use to transform our nation” MEC said.
The Deputy Minister for the Department of Tourism Honourable Maggie Sotyu, in her capacity as the District(‘s) Development Model Champion, rolled out her Back-to-School Campaign, at Sediba Thuto Secondary School.
The school, under the leadership of Principal Elias Mokoena, obtained a 93.1% Matric pass in 2025. And having introduced Tourism as a subject in 2025, the Deputy Minister was very happy to hand out goodies to the Tourism learners from her department! “I am glad some of you are taking Tourism and will now not just seek jobs but create them!” the DM said.
The Deputy Minister explained her role as the DDM Champion as one that seeks to unify the work of all the departments in the province to bring solutions and enhance service delivery at all levels in support of the district to better the lives of our people. This is especially important in the area where this school is situated, confronted by a myriad of social ills.
The Deputy Minister and MEC went on to handover more than 200 pairs of school shoes, dignity packs and stationery for identified needy learners.
