THABA’NCHU’S BARTIMEA SCHOOL SETS THE PACE FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION WITH 94% MATRIC PASS RATE

By Precious Mupenzi

• ⁠The matric results for the Class of 2025 at Bartimea School for the Deaf and Blind in Thaba’Nchu, Free State, prove that disability is not inability.
• During a Back-to-School visit, Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe said the results were a powerful affirmation that learners with special educational needs can excel when provided with the right support.
• The minister also acknowledged the role played by the families, caregivers, teachers and support staff in creating an enabling environment for the learners.

Learners with disabilities at Bartimea School for the Deaf and Blind in Thaba’Nchu, Free State, have once again proven that disability is not inability, after the school achieved an outstanding 94% pass rate in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

The achievement was celebrated on Monday, 26 January 2026, during a Back-to-School visit led by the Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, who commended learners, educators, parents and caregivers for their collective effort in driving academic excellence at the special school. Minister Tolashe was joined by the Free State MEC for Social Development, Ms Mathabo Hlalele.

Addressing learners, educators and stakeholders, Minister Tolashe described the results as a powerful affirmation that learners with special educational needs can excel when provided with the right support.

“These results send a resounding message that with the right support from parents, caregivers, teachers, and school governing bodies, learners with disabilities can do just as well – and sometimes even better – than their peers without disabilities,” she said.

The minister congratulated the Class of 2025 for their resilience and discipline, while encouraging the Class of 2026 to embrace the new academic year with confidence and curiosity.

She also paid tribute to educators and support staff, acknowledging their dedication to creating an environment where learners are empowered to reach their full potential.

“The growth and success of this school would not have been possible without the commitment of teachers and support staff who inspire learners to think critically, believe in themselves and enjoy learning,” Minister Tolashe added.

Recognising the crucial role of families, the minister expressed appreciation to parents and caregivers for their involvement in their children’s education, noting that the government continues to prioritise support for families raising children with disabilities.

Through the Department of Social Development, programmes such as positive parenting, alongside social assistance grants including the Disability Grant, the Care Dependency Grant and the Grant-in-Aid, are aimed at reducing economic vulnerability and improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Minister Tolashe also highlighted the recently presented Policy on Social Development Services to Persons with Disabilities, which seeks to mainstream disability issues across government programmes and improve access to education, employment and economic opportunities.

The policy further focuses on addressing systemic barriers through capacity-building and financial support for civil society organisations that provide care and support services to persons with disabilities.

The visit also marked the handover of a donation to the school by the Ashraful Foundation, a gesture welcomed by the minister as an example of the partnerships needed to strengthen inclusive education.

“We need strong collaborations to promote inclusion and opportunity for persons with disabilities. It is our hope that more partners, including local businesses in the Free State, will support the excellent work being done at Bartimea,” she said.

Minister Tolashe concluded by congratulating the entire Bartimea School community, describing the school as a beacon of hope and excellence for inclusive education in South Africa.