The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts, and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, has received a hero's welcome upon arrival in her hometown of Karasburg on official duties.

The residents organised a surprise welcome ceremony for the minister.

Among them were learners, teachers, community members, and political leaders, who lined the town's main street to greet and cheer for Steenkamp.

The Karasburg Town Council also held a welcoming ceremony and briefing for the minister.

"I really thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am home, and I am with you. There is no place like home: I grew up in a town for those who do not know, where we did not know, and we never made a distinction between Nama, Kleurling, and Ovambo. No, we were all one. I grew up in a town where we respect the elders."

As part of her familiarisation with the southern town, the minister visited the De Pores and Sonstraal Kindergartens, the I-Care Health Training Institute campus, and sports facilities in town.