PG Bison Strengthening Joe Gqabi District’s Educational and Community Ecosystem
PG Bison’s long-term investment and commitment to the education community of Joe Gqabi, a rural Eastern Cape district, has helped drive sustained behavioural change, contributing to an impressive upwards trend culminating in a stellar 2025 matric performance.
Joe Gqabi District National Senior Certificate District Awards
On 6 February 2026, at the Joe Gqabi District NSC (National Senior Certificate) District Awards ceremony, schools, Principals, teachers and high performing learners were recognised for their achievements, and the PG Bison Infundo CREATE Programme was acknowledged as a driving force behind a palpable sense of momentum across the district.
We have worked closely with primary and high schools – Umthawelanga, Sibabale, and Ugie High Schools, and ET Thabane since 2009, Maclear Methodist, Jamangile and Maclear High since 2015, and Dinizulu, Thomas Ntaba and Solomon Nombewu more recently. Since the inception of our engagements with the schools, they have come of age, in all facets, with the rural Ugie/Maclear Circuit Management Centre (CMC) in 2025 being the top performing CMC in the District and in the Eastern Cape Province with 93,2% pass rate.
“We are proud of this achievement, which shows how collaborations built on trust, flexibility and community ownership can transform communities,” says Nomvuyo Mehlo, PG Bison Cluster Liaison Manager, Ugie.
Ongoing interventions directly in the Ugie/Maclear CMC, including teacher development and mentoring, specialist tutors in Physical Science and Mathematics, SMT training in management and leadership, and coaching sessions with Circuit Managers, helped the district achieve an 88.4% pass rate steadily increasing over the past five years from 61.5% in 2020. The Joe Gqabi District expressed its appreciation for PG Bison’s unwavering support, which assisted them in reaching unprecedented levels of performance, culminating in a number one ranking in the Eastern Cape.
PG Bison Infundo CREATE Programme
PG Bison’s Infundo CREATE Programme initially began in two towns in 2009 and has since expanded, including primary schools, youth development, aftercare programmes and subject tutoring.
The programme takes a holistic approach, prioritising leadership, psychosocial support, counselling, after-school programmes and the identification of special needs. It supports learners across their entire journey, with particular attention to critical transition points.
Interventions include career guidance, subject choice support, leadership development through learner councils and mentor groups for at-risk learners. The programme has also expanded into infrastructure, including the rollout of Wi-Fi in schools, supported by clear policies and behaviour management.
Looking ahead, Sibusiso Dlamini, Executive: Human Capital and Stakeholder Relations. says digitalisation remains a priority. “Rural learners should have full access to digital learning. We also want more learners to complete tertiary studies and return to serve their communities – something we are already beginning to see.”
The PG Bison Infundo CREATE Programme has built strong relationships with Joe Gqabi District, providing coaching and support, to the district leadership at local and district levels.
Strengthening future generations
PG Bison’s investment continues to strengthen the Joe Gqabi education system, supporting long-term talent development and building resilient local schools.
“PG Bison is committed to education and local economic success, and this partnership proves that together we can achieve more,” Sibusiso added.
