Basic Education Minister Urges Private Sector to Deepen Engagement in Education

Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has called on the private sector to deepen its involvement in South Africa’s education sector. Addressing the Partnerships for Education Business Breakfast in Lenasia, Minister Gwarube highlighted the transformative potential of private sector expertise, resources, and capacity in supporting education.

The Minister noted the rising participation of private entities in initiatives ranging from infrastructure development to teacher training. She outlined her strategic priorities for the seventh administration, emphasising that sustainable improvements in education rely on public-private partnerships to address budgetary constraints and deliver quality education.

Gwarube stressed that achieving quality education, not just access, is vital for national prosperity. “If we do not fix literacy, the Department of Basic Education has failed in its core function,” she stated, citing the concerning statistic that around 80% of South African learners tested could not read for meaning.

She called on the private sector to co-create programmes with the Department to enhance foundational literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy. Other priorities outlined included Early Childhood Development, special education, teacher development, and school safety. In response to recent food safety concerns, the Minister is moving to ban the use of organophosphates in schools as a precaution.

The Minister underscored the collective responsibility in strengthening education for all South Africans, fostering a skilled workforce prepared for the demands of the 21st century.