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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube speaks at the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla in Boksburg on 27 February 2025.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says strengthening the education sector in South Africa’s changed political environment requires a new type of leadership that transcends party politics.
Gwarube was addressing delegates at the 2025 Basic Education Sector Lekgotla taking place in Boksburg on the East Rand, Gauteng.
The lekgotla, which is taking place for the 10th year, sees role players in dialogue on issues facing the basic education sector.
The Minister of Basic Education, Ms. Siviwe Gwarube, delivered her ministerial opening address at the 2025 Basic Education Lekgotla, emphasising the importance of partnerships within the education sector to ensure quality education for all learners. Minister Gwarube stated that… pic.twitter.com/2DMmt4ZSix
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) February 27, 2025
Gwarube’s comments come amidst tensions generated between political parties in the Government of National Unity over the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, which she as Minister of Education is mandated to implement.
This despite concerns on her part, the Democratic Alliance and other partners such as the Freedom Front Plus regarding clauses related to mother tongue education and the powers of school governing bodies.
“Governing under such conditions is no small task. It demands a new type of leadership, one that is anti-fragile (and) capable of withstanding and even benefitting from the shocks and pressures. It requires us to move beyond traditional political divisions and instead, move towards a coherent, unified approach to governance for our education. Our policy direction should remain clear and unwavering, even as the political dynamic shifts the imperative to improve numeracy and literacy to strengthen early childhood development to ensure that no child is left behind. It must transcend party politics.”
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address at the lekgotla.
