Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube,
Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Ashor Sarupen,
Director-General of the Department of Basic Education, Mr Mathanzima Mweli,
Chairperson of Business Leadership South Africa, Ms Nonkuleleko Nyembezi,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We are all here today because of our shared belief in the profound importance of Bana Pele – putting children first. 

This belief is the cornerstone of our vision for a brighter future for South Africa. 

It is because of this shared vision that we unite and collaborate today, committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive by the age of five.

Our immediate focus is to extend access to early childhood development to every child. 

It is one of the most powerful levers we have to unlock the potential of our nation. 

We recognise today that investing in ECD is not just about education. 

It is about shaping the next generation of skilled, capable and entrepreneurial citizens who will drive our economy forward.

Early childhood development provides children with the foundational skills they need to build a successful future. 

It helps to break the cycle of poverty that is handed down from one generation to the next. 

Early childhood development is about giving children from all backgrounds the opportunity to grow into confident, capable citizens who contribute positively to society. 

Children who receive a strong start are more likely to succeed in school and the workforce, reducing societal costs in areas such healthcare, crime prevention and welfare.

A research report published to coincide with Brazil’s G20 Presidency, estimated that in South Africa, an investment of 2.1 percent GDP in universal childcare could have supported 10.5 million women to join the workforce over three years.

Because of the profound effect that ECD can have on social well-being and development, we have decided to put our children first. 

Last week, the Minister of Finance announced an additional investment of R10 billion in ECD over the next three years. 

We are all aware of the statistic that 80 percent of children in South Africa are unable to read for meaning by the age of 10. 

Early childhood is a critical for developing foundational skills such as language, literacy and numeracy. 

The experiences and interactions children have can significantly influence their future learning potential.

This is why ECD must be treated as an urgent priority

We therefore welcome this wonderful initiative for business, civil society and government to work together to shape the future of early childhood development.

This initiative will assist the strategic reorientation of the basic education sector to strengthen foundation learning. 

The benefits of universal access to ECD extend beyond the education of the child. 

It helps to empower families to break free from the effects of poverty. 

The initiative also emphasises the importance of early childhood development in a child's life, a period critical for cognitive and emotional development. 

By focusing on comprehensive early childhood care and education, we can mitigate the disadvantages faced by many children due to poverty and lack of resources. 

This holistic approach will ensure that children not only receive education but also proper nutrition, healthcare and a safe environment.

Investing in ECD yields significant economic returns. 

Studies have shown that every rand spent on early childhood education can save up to seven rands in future costs associated with remedial education, social services and criminal justice. 

The ripple effects of a robust ECD system are felt across generations, fostering a cycle of opportunity and growth.

We are determined that every child, regardless of their background or location, must have access to quality early education.

It is for this reason that the Department of Basic Education launched the Bana Pele Mass Registration Drive last year. 

We call on all ECD programmes to register with the Department so that all our children can receive the start in life that they need and deserve.

We’ve seen time and time again how South Africa excels when we come together. 

We have consistently shown that we can solve difficult problems when we unite for a common cause. 

The Mass Registration Drive is an example of cross-sectoral collaboration at work. 

We have an opportunity to rethink and restructure the entire ECD landscape, making it more effective, more inclusive and more impactful than ever before.

As South Africans, we have a clear goal for all our children: access to quality learning opportunities for an additional 1.3 million children by 2030. 

This is why we are here today. 

We need to create a collaborative framework for ECD. One that brings together government, business, donors, ECD workers and all other social partners. 

This framework must ensure that all role-players work together at both the provincial and municipal levels to improve access to quality early childhood education.

Today, we have come together to explore new public-private partnerships, share innovative solutions and improve the community-based initiatives that are already making a difference.

As we move forward, we must remember that there is no greater cause than uniting for the benefit of our children. 

Our future as a nation depends on the children we raise today. 

We must commit to creating an environment where every child, no matter where they come from, has the opportunity to learn, to grow and to succeed.

Let us join hands and work together, as a united force, to achieve our shared vision of universal access to quality Early Childhood Development. 

By doing so, we will not only secure the future of our children. We will secure the future of South Africa itself.

I thank you.
 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has today, 16 March 2025 arrived at Narita International Airport in Tokyo, Japan on a Working Visit aimed at reaffirming the strong cooperation between South Africa and Japan in areas of mutual interest.

The two countries enjoy well-established diplomatic relations which are particularly strong in the fields of trade and investment, education, science and technology.

Japan is one of South Africa’s major economic partners with a sizeable investment in the South African economy, and potential for increased investment exists.

During the working visit, the Deputy President and delegation will engage the business community in Japan with the objective of strengthening economic relations in areas such as manufacturing and machinery, mining and mineral beneficiation, energy cooperation, the automotive industry and greater market access for South Africa's agricultural products, amongst others. 

In this regard, the Deputy President and delegation will on Monday 17 March 2025 visit the Isuzu Fujisawa Plant Service, a Japanese multinational corporation that produces commercial vehicles, diesel engines and automotive parts, and has a significant presence in South Africa.

The Deputy President will also meet with Dr. Akhiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a Japanese government agency that has been actively involved in various development projects in South Africa. 

On Tuesday, 18 March 2025, the Deputy President and delegation will have a breakfast meeting with Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship League, which seeks to promote economic cooperation and trade between Japan and African countries. 

Furthermore, the Deputy President will pay a courtesy call on His Excellency Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and visit the Meiju Jingu Shinto Shrine.

The Deputy President will also deliver a keynote address at the United Nations University under the theme "South Africa's G20 Presidency: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability - a conversation with Japan.

On Wednesay 19 March 2025, the Deputy President and delegation will participate in Roundtable Discussions hosted by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC).

The Deputy President will also host South African Rugby players based in Japan at the South African Official Residence. 

The Deputy President is supported by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Tandi Moraka; the Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie; the Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane; the Minister of Agriculture Mr. John Steenhuisen; the Minister of Trade Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau; and the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Nomalungelo Gina.


Media enquiries: Ms Itumeleng Mafashe on 079 547 4469.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Directors, Ms Phumza Mfenyane and Ms Busisiwe Jemsana-Mantashe;
Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane;
Eastern Cape MEC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Ms Sibulele Ngongo;
Facilitator, Mr Mluleki Ntsabo, and Panel participants; 
Leaders in the arts and sporting fraternities;
Distinguished guests;
Molweni,

Allow me to express my sincere apologies for not being able to join this important programme in person, this is due to some urgent responsibilities assigned to me by the President that require my immediate attention.

However, I recognise that this is a critical gathering that I did not want to miss as I believe that such engagements are crucial for the enhancement of social relations among South Africans and the fortification of the unity-in-diversity that we are continuously building as a nation.

Last month, I had an opportunity to be part of the launch of the 2024 South African Social Cohesion Index. The 2024 Index, which was conducted by the Inclusive Society Institute, offers a clear picture of where we stand in our collective journey towards social cohesion. 

It provides us with insights into the strengths and challenges facing our nation, highlighting areas where progress has been made and areas that require urgent attention.

For instance, according to this research, the overall level of social cohesion in South Africa as a whole was found to be moderate at 53.3 points. It went through a steady, though slow, decline from 53.5 points in 2021 to 51.7 points in 2023. 

Over the period from 2021 to 2024, social cohesion has improved only in the North West and Eastern Cape Provinces. I, therefore, encourage the Eastern Cape Province to continue on this path, since strong social cohesiveness strengthens the ability of communities to develop resilience generally and contribute to issues of economic, social and political significance. 

Considering the effects that social cohesion has for the well-being of citizens, it should be continuously nurtured and platforms such as these must be encouraged and normalised.  

Ladies and gentlemen,

There are various factors that contribute to social cohesion, which include social activities, such as sports, and a fair opportunity for education.

Sports and physical education can enhance social cohesion by offering a platform for interaction among people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, thus contributing to vital intercultural exchanges.

Having served as the Minister of Arts and Culture, I have witnessed the significant role that sports, and the arts play in nation-building and promoting social cohesion.

Throughout history, sports have consistently served as a powerful tool for bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and creating unity. It continues to play a critical role in uniting people across racial, social, and economic divides.

In South Africa in particular, where our history has been defined by division, exclusion, and institutional injustice, sports has played an important role in forging bonds and establishing a new, shared national identity.

It is thus clear why, shortly after assuming the Presidency of South Africa, Tata Nelson Mandela opted to attend a football match at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg to witness South Africa's victory over Zambia, rather than participating in the inauguration celebrations as the new President.

Madiba’s decision underscores the significance of sports in uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds. In 1995, President Mandela presented the award to the victorious Springboks Captain Francois Pienaar, symbolically wearing the green shirt bearing Pienaar's number 6.

These moments were more than sports events, but are symbolic acts of reconciliation, showing the potential of sports in bridging historical divides. 

It is such moments that have shaped history and helped accelerate healing in a South African society torn apart by years of political dysfunction and inequality.

We have seen similar moments in years that followed, our triumphs in the 1996 African Cup of Nations, hosting a successful 2010 FIFA World Cup, winning the Rugby World Cup trophy twice, and most recently, the inspiring performances of our athletes in various global competitions.

Each of these achievements has reinforced our collective identity, demonstrating that when we play together, we win together. At the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards in 2000, Nelson Mandela declared that:

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination. The heroes sport creates are examples of this power. They are valiant, not only on the playing field but also in the community, spreading hope and inspiration to the world.”

I am reflecting on Madiba because I believe this dialogue aligns with Nelson Mandela's ideals of a socially cohesive society.

This generation must persist in fostering social cohesion to establish a truly equal, united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous South Africa.

Building a socially cohesive society requires dedicated effort to promote positive social relationships that unite us.

This dialogue must therefore guide us on how we can further use mediums such as sports, arts and culture to build a cohesive society, and how we can use these as platforms where we can stand together to deal with social challenges that confront us such as drug & substance abuse, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, racial division, inequality, tribalism and poverty.  

We need to engage in ongoing discussions about accelerating sports transformation to guarantee equal opportunities for all. It is important that we work towards creating an inclusive and diverse sporting environment where everyone, regardless of race, religion, or background, has equal opportunities to participate, grow, and excel in their sports careers. 

Manene nama Nenekazi,

The Eastern Cape Province must promote sustainable growth in the sporting and creative sectors while preserving South Africa's culture and rich heritage, thus reaffirming our commitment to a socially cohesive society in line with the National Development Plan 2030. As you are aware, we are a few years away from 2030, and it is critical that the Government in all its efforts speeds up the execution of the programme outlined in the NDP and the Medium-Term Development Plan. 

The Province must further implement and support transformative programmes towards ensuring the inclusion of women, children, people with disabilities and youth in sports, recreation, arts, and cultural activities. 

Together, we need to coordinate our efforts to ensure that culture and sports activities bring us together, and that they not only demonstrate the ideals of equality and fair play, but they also serve as effective catalysts for transformation at a global level.

Furthermore, our programmes of social cohesion, in sports, arts and culture, cannot afford to leave communities living in rural areas behind. We must incorporate rural communities into all sporting codes to ensure fair competition and equal opportunities for people from underprivileged and marginalised geographical backgrounds. In short, let us invest in sports infrastructure in rural areas for the betterment of the people.

During his State of the Nation Address last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of the National Dialogue in fostering unity and cooperation among South Africans. The President reminded us that the National Dialogue must reaffirm that every citizen has a role to play in building the nation through various initiatives, including sports, arts, culture, and heritage protection and promotion.

In this fashion, we will be able to bring diverse voices together to address the country's challenges and work towards a shared vision of a prosperous and inclusive South Africa.

Part of that process should be channelling investments in our sports programmes, infrastructure facilities as well as support systems so that we are able to fully unlock the potential of sports in building greater social cohesion.

For sports to truly serve as a tool for social cohesion, we must shift our mindset from viewing it as an elite pursuit to embracing it as an everyday activity for all. This means investing in school sports, grassroots development, and community-based programmes that make sports accessible to everyone.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we celebrate Human Rights Month this month, we should remember that sport is anchored in human rights values. It promotes fairness, non-discrimination, respect, and equal opportunities for all. As it reaches billions, including young people, it is an instrument for societal change through empowerment and inclusion.

The sports sector also faces many challenges, such as instances of racism, exclusion, and compounded discrimination. We have to work together to promote social cohesion by eradicating racism and other forms of discrimination in sports.

As we engage in thoughtful dialogue and exchange ideas today, let us commit to taking concrete actions that will drive meaningful change in the world of sports.

Let us strive to create a more equitable, inclusive, and accessible sporting landscape where everyone has the chance to shine.

I am confident that through our collective efforts and shared commitment to sports transformation, we can create a brighter and more united future for all.

Let us, therefore, work together to level the playing field in sports and beyond.

Enkosi! Thank you! Siyabulela!

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, received His Excellency President Daniel Chapo of the Republic of Mozambique for a meeting at his official residence, Genadendal, in Cape Town.

President Chapo was recently inaugurated President of the Republic of Mozambique, which is a close partner and immediate neighbour of South Africa.

President Chapo’s visit aims to strengthen political cooperation at the bilateral, regional, continental, and global levels.

The discussion between two leaders focused on enhancing cooperation and strengthening state institutions.

The relationship between South Africa and Mozambique is deeply rooted in a shared historical struggle against apartheid and colonialism. This bond is further enriched by familial connections and cultural similarities that unite the two nations.

Currently, it is estimated that South African companies have invested between R155 billion and R175 billion, creating more than 42,000 job opportunities. 

Several key South African companies recently established the South African Chamber of Commerce, promoting trade and investment between the two nations. Mozambique is also a vital energy security partner for South Africa. 

The bilateral meeting gave effect to President Ramaphosa’s commitment in the 2025 State of the Nation Address that South Africa will leverage its international relations to advance the well-being of humanity; strengthen trade relations around the world and leverage strong and diverse global alliances to make South Africa’s economy more resilient.

President Ramaphosa said, " We came together to continue strengthening the bonds between our two countries and in many ways how we can turn a new page of cooperation at a political, diplomatic and economic level and how we can entrench political stability in Mozambique following the elections. And also how we can create a conducive environment for businesses to operate in both countries."

President Chapo said, "We are here to explain that our situation in Mozambique is good and now we are working. Tomorrow, we will meet with the opposition to sign an agreement on  talks we are going to have about the many issues impacting our country including discussions on our electoral laws. We are also here to talk about how we can grow our economy."

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Cape Town

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Tuesday, 4 March 2025, virtually deliver the keynote address to the Eastern Cape Social Cohesion Dialogue, focussing on tackling issues around Sport Transformation.

Organised by the Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the dialogue will  take place under the theme, “Accelerating sport transformation to level the playing field”.

It is a clarion call for all key role players to strengthen efforts in enhancing inclusivity and ensuring equitable access and resource availability, skills and capability development on and off the field of play.

As a champion of Social Cohesion and Nation Building initiatives in the country, Deputy President Mashatile has accepted the invitation to address the dialogue, in view of its strategic objective in fostering unity and cohesion amongst the citizens, thus reaffirming the values of inclusion and equal access, as well as harnessing the transformative power of sport as a unifying force in South Africa.

The dialogue will be attended by representatives   from Government, business sector, sports federations, athletes, academia amongst others. 

Some of the key participants include SASCOC President, Mr Barry Hendricks, Paralympic Swimming Champion, Ms Natalie du Toit, Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Ms Desiree Ellis, and the Springboks National Team Manager, Mr Zola Yeye.

The virtual address by Deputy President Mashatile is scheduled as follows:

Date: 4 March 2025
Time: 15h30
Link to be shared in due course.
 

Media enquiries: Ms Itumeleng Mafashe on 079 547 4469.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

TUESDAY, 04 MARCH 2025

Meeting with President Chapo of Mozambique

The President will commence his public programme for the week by hosting His Excellency President Daniel Chapo of the Republic of Mozambique for a one-on-one meeting at Genadendal, the official residence of the President in Cape Town, on Tuesday, 4 March 2025.

President Chapo is the recently inaugurated President of the Republic of Mozambique, which is a close partner and immediate neighbour of South Africa.

President Chapo’s visit aims to strengthen political cooperation at the bilateral, regional, continental, and global levels.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Presidency will issue a statement following the meeting. The Government Communication and Information System will syndicate pictures and audiovisual content.

THURSDAY 06 MARCH TO FRIDAY 07 MARCH 2025

1. Gauteng Provincial and Johannesburg Metro Oversight

2. Microsoft South Africa Investment Announcement

The President will on Thursday, 06 March 2025, and Friday, 07 March 2025, undertake a visit to Gauteng where he will meet with the Provincial Executive Committee and the Johannesburg Metro Council.

President Ramaphosa will meet the Gauteng Provincial Government leadership on Thursday, 6 March, as part of the District Development Model of integrated planning and delivery among the different spheres of Government in each district.

The Gauteng meeting will be the fourth engagement led by the President, in which national Government and provincial administrations discuss opportunities and challenges in provinces, including service delivery blockages and prospects for growth.

The President has undertaken similar visits to Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces. 

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers, and will deliver an opening address at the meeting.

The meeting with the Gauteng Provincial Government’s Executive is part of a series of engagements between the President and provinces aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination and improve service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration. 

The Provincial Executive will present to the President its 5-Year Programme aligned to the Priorities of the 7th Administration. The meeting will also discuss various approaches to service delivery issues including interventions to improve service delivery at local government level.

Following his engagement with the Provincial Executive, President Ramaphosa will meet with the Johannesburg Metro Council on Friday, 7 March.

A meeting with stakeholders with interest  in the City’s growth and development will follow the President’s discussions with the Metro leadership.

Note to Editors:

The provincial and metro engagements will both take place at the Johannesburg Metro Council Chambers as follows:

Meeting with Provincial Executive Committee: 10h00, Thursday, 6 March.

MMeeting with Johannesburg Metro Council: 10h00, Friday, 7 March.

Microsoft South Africa Investment

Later on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the Microsoft South Africa Investment Announcement launch in Johannesburg.

Microsoft South Africa has been a valuable partner in South Africa’s digital transformation over the past three decades and the investment launch will enhance South Africa’s standing as a leading Artificial Intelligence hub on the continent.

Microsoft’s announcement is a precursor to the South Africa Investment Conference which will take place later in March 2025.

Since the first Investment Conference in 2018, South Africa has attracted R1.14 trillion in investment commitments across a broad range of economic sectors, including mining, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and the digital economy.

Microsoft South Africa’s investment lines up with Government’s pursuit of inclusive economic growth and job creation in partnership with the private sector, and South Africa’s G20 objectives in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation for Sustainable Development.

The Microsoft South Africa event takes place at 14h30 at the Microsoft Campus, 3012 Winnie Mandela Drive, Bryanston, Johannesburg.

For media accreditation: Khutjo Sebata, Media Liaison Officer (The Presidency), on 079 898 4621 / Ashleigh Fenwick, Microsoft South Africa, on 083 309 7935 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has proffered his best wishes to the Muslim community as they observe the fasting month of Ramadaan. 

“For our Muslim brethren here at home and around the world, this is a sacred time of reflection, prayer and performing acts of charity – values that unite us all,” President Ramaphosa said. 

“South Africa is a country united in its diversity, and this is our greatest strength as we work together to build a better South Africa of equality and opportunity for all,” the President said. 

For the world’s approximately 1,9 billion Muslims, the month of Ramadaan is observed by fasting from sunrise to sunset, performing special prayers, and feeding the needy. 

“As a country we laud these acts of compassion, empathy and generosity by the Muslim community are even more sorely needed in today’s troubled world,” the President said.

“Even as this is a time of fraternity and spiritual growth for Muslims, we are keenly aware that suffering peoples in Gaza, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and in the troubled Sahel region will experience little cheer this Ramadaan,” said President Ramaphosa.

The President has reaffirmed the country’s solidarity with oppressed peoples everywhere, and a call for an end to intolerance, conflict and war.

“We are grateful to be a nation where many cultures and faiths co-exist in harmony - may this also be a time for outreach and building bridges of tolerance and understanding between our different communities,” the President said.
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, Saturday 1 March 2025 arrived in Windhoek, Namibia where he will join the Nujoma family, the people and government of Namibia and other Heads of State and Government, to bid farewell to the late former President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr Samuel Shafishuna Nujoma.

The former President Nujoma passed away on 11 February 2025 while receiving medical attention in Windhoek at the age of 95.

Dr Nujoma became involved in anticolonial politics during the1950's and was the founding member and the first President of the Southwest Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) in 1960. 

President Ramaphosa reiterates, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, his deep condolences to the government and people of Namibia.

South Africa and Namibia enjoy excellent bilateral relations due to the fraternal and historical relations cemented during the fight against colonialism and apartheid. The two countries established diplomatic ties in March 1990. 
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube,
Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule,
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Hon Joy Maimela,
Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries, Hon Makhi Feni,
Director General of Basic Education, Mr Mathanzima Mweli,
MECs, 
Members of national and provincial legislatures, 
Representatives of political parties, 
Representatives of teacher unions, 
Representatives of SGB Associations, higher education institutions, education organisations and civil society, 
Representatives of business, 
Guests, 
Ladies and gentlemen, 

Good morning.

It is wonderful to be here with the women and men whose work is shaping our nation’s future. 

Education is the bedrock upon which societies are built and on which they thrive. 

Education enables development. It is a catalyst of progress for individuals, communities, countries and economies. 

Basic education in particular is the most crucial determinant of whether an education system succeeds, falls short or fails. 

We therefore regard the annual Basic Education Lekgotla as one of the most important events on the national calendar. 

To put this into perspective, in its recent South Africa Economic Update, the World Bank singled out basic education as one of three sectors with the greatest potential to drive inclusive growth and transform South Africa into a high-income country. 

What is greatly encouraging is that the reforms proposed by the World Bank, such as prioritising foundational years, are very much aligned to the Department’s vision. 

Early Childhood Development, numeracy and early grade reading are just some of the focus areas highlighted in the World Bank report. 

Last year, in 2024, we achieved the highest matriculation pass rate in our country’s history. 

The achievements of the Class of 2024 reinforce our commitment to developing our nation’s most valuable resource, our young people. 

This achievement shows that we are steadily undoing apartheid’s legacy of intergenerational poverty, disadvantage and indignity.

Our learners, teachers, parents and caregivers deserve our appreciation, alongside school governing bodies and partners in business, trade unions and academia. 

However, these impressive outcomes stand in stark contrast to what we see in the early years of education. 

We are all aware of the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study that showed that more than 80 percent of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning in any language, including their home language. 

South Africa also ranked low in a recently published study on Trends in International Mathematics and Science, which surveys capabilities in Grades 4 and 8. 

Not having mastered basic skills in reading and maths at foundation level sets the tone for how a learner will perform in high school and beyond. 

So correcting these shortcomings is the most urgent of tasks.

It must be front and centre of our efforts in basic education. 

This is the first Basic Education Sector Lekgotla convened under a Government of National Unity.

It is taking place at the confluence of a number of developments key to our nation’s progress. 

The first of these is that we are now in the implementation phase of the Medium Term Development Plan, government’s strategic framework for the next five years. 

The second is that we are now in the five-year countdown towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 4 on “ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all”.

The third key development is South Africa’s G20 Presidency, with its theme of solidarity, equality and sustainability. 

As the host of the G20 Education Working Group, we have a unique opportunity to drive a progressive agenda for inclusive and equitable education within the framework of the G20. 

The theme of this year’s lekgotla – ‘Strengthening Foundations for a Resilient, Future-Fit Education System’ – is therefore most appropriate and timely. 

Globalisation, open knowledge flows and advancing technology are rapidly changing the world of work. 

The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report shows the world’s fastest growing and fastest declining jobs. 

At the top of the pyramid – the jobs that are growing fastest – are big data specialists, User Interface and User Experience engineers, data warehousing specialists and renewable energy engineers. 

At the bottom of the pyramid, some of the jobs that are in decline include bank tellers, data entry clerks, cashiers, admin assistants, book-keeping and payroll clerks, and telemarketers, among others. 

Many of these occupations that are in decline are entry level positions for young people entering the job market after school. 

Artificial intelligence and large language models are cutting a swathe across many types of work. 

One of these applications, ChatGPT, has an estimated 300 million weekly active users globally. 

The share of students using ChatGPT to assist them with school assignments has doubled between 2023 and 2024 in the United States alone. 

The first generation to grow up with the internet, Gen Z, are already in their thirties. Generation Alpha, the first fully digital generation, are now in high school. 

The babies born this year are the start of Generation Beta, and will begin school in 2030. 

These Generation Beta children will be mastering the use of AI tools for schoolwork, problem solving and life advice before they even reach high school. 

This is to say nothing of their future career paths. There are now tools that can build a website in 10 seconds and compile a fully referenced research paper in about a minute. 

So when we speak of equipping our young people with the skills for a changing world, we are not only talking about the structure of education needing to be transformed, but its methods of delivery as well. 

I am pleased that this is an issue that is prioritised at the Basic Education Lekgotla.

We have to adapt to this new reality or risk the consequences of last century methods that cannot deliver new century outcomes. 

As impressive as technological advances have been, technology is but a complement to human endeavour. 

There is no substitute for solid foundational education led by committed and capable educators that sets the stage for a more effective and equitable educational system. 

At a foundational level, learners develop essential skills in literacy and numeracy, reducing pre-existing learning gaps, and form the building blocks for lifelong learning. 

Early childhood development plays a critical role. It is a strong social equaliser, with children from disadvantaged families benefiting most. 

We need to improve foundational numeracy and literacy using the Mother-tongue based Bilingual Education approach. 

We are encouraged by the Department’s efforts to review and realign our existing curriculum, including assessment, learning and teaching support material and teacher development programmes.

Equality and access must guide everything we do.

We have a special obligation to promote access to quality education for learners that are blind, deaf or who have other disabilities. 

This is both a human rights issue and economic and social imperative. For our country to develop, we need to ensure that every person is able to realise their potential.

We therefore welcome the inclusion of Deaf SA and Blind SA in this lekgotla programme. 

Our hard-working educators are the backbone of the sector. We welcome the ongoing provision of teacher support and development programmes focused on skills, pedagogy and methodology, among others. 

The alignment of the national curriculum and the schooling system with South Africa’s economic imperatives must be an apex priority for this lekgotla. 

Entrepreneurship plays a key role in economic growth, particularly when the labour market is constrained. 

As we prepare young people for employment, we must also support pathways for them to self-employment. 

Our education system needs to be responsive to the evolving skills needs of the economy. 

One of the most important ways of doing this is through structured technical and vocational education pathways in the schooling system that run parallel to the general academic education pathway. 

The diversification into academic, technical and vocational pathways provides learners with greater choices based on their interests, abilities and aptitudes.

It enables them to choose the right careers and achieve greater success. 

We need to be more assertive in marketing these pathways to learners, including through life orientation and career guidance classes. 

As stakeholders in the sector we need to work together to address the prevalent bias towards general academic education, and even the stigma that exists around choosing vocational occupations.

Vocational training should not be seen as a fall-back option for learners who have been identified as unlikely to obtain the marks needed for university entry. 

It should be seen as an attractive proposition for all learners. 

One looks at a highly industrialised country like Germany, for instance, where 47 percent of the workforce has a vocational qualification compared to 17 percent with higher education degrees. 

I look forward to the outcomes of this year’s lekgotla, which is happening at such a critical time in the life of our nation. 

The Basic Education Sector Lekgotla brings together political and administrative heads in education, and representatives of teachers, parents and learner organisations.

It brings together local and international academics, experts from the post-school education sectors, and industry leaders specialising in human resources. 

In other words, we have in this room the full complement of those who have it within their means to transform the basic education landscape for the better and, most importantly, for the future. 

I thank you.

Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, will brief members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 26 February 2025.

The media briefing will take place as follows:  
Date: Thursday, 27 February 2025
Time: 11h00
Venue: Imbizo Media Centre, 120 Plein Street, Parliament, Cape Town.  

Live Streaming details:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA 

Media enquiries: Nomonde Mnukwa - Acting Government Spokesperson on 083 653 7485

Issued by: The Presidency and Government Communication and Information System
Pretoria