The much-anticipated Basic Education Lekgotla was held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Benoni from 27 February to 1 March 2025. This annual gathering united key players in the education field, such as government officials, educators, and representatives from various organizations, to discuss strategies for enhancing education quality in South Africa.
One of the main topics tackled at the Lekgotla was the financial difficulties plaguing the education sector. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube stressed the necessity of forming partnerships with the private sector to ease financial strain and guarantee quality education for all.
“We must explore innovative solutions and collaborations to provide our learners with the necessary resources and support,” said Gwarube.
A key highlight was the partnership between the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and McDonald’s. Minister Gwarube defended the collaboration, adding the introduction of lightweight, foldable desks that children can easily take home.
Manufactures wheelie school bags that transform into a fully functional desk and chair, easy for learners to use both at home and at school.
“These desks, approved by UNESCO, are designed to help less fortunate children continue their learning at home. We grateful to McDonald for their support in this initiative,” she explained.
The Lekgotla also focused extensively on teacher shortages and the importance of professional development. Experts discussed the global challenges of attracting and retaining qualified teachers, as well as administrative pressures on educators. The event served as a forum for exchanging best practices and exploring strategies to support teacher development.
In a compelling keynote speech, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized education’s vital role in shaping the future of the nation. He pointed out the need for early childhood development numeracy and early great readings and hands learning outcomes.
“Education is the bedrock of our society. It is key to economic growth, social development, and the advancement of our nation,” expressed Ramaphosa.
The President also recognised both the achievements and the challenges in the education sector. “We achieved our highest matriculation pass rate in 2024, but we must address the challenges in the early years of education. The low reading proficiency among grade four learners is a matter of concern,” he noted.
Additionally, President Ramaphosa highlighted the alignment between the 2025 G20 Education Agenda and the goals of the Basic Education Lekgotla, aiming to encourage broader sector participation and reflect the voices and ambitions of the entire basic education community.
In the aftermath of the Lekgotla, several initiatives are expected to arise within South Africa’s education sector. There will be a concerted effort to strengthen partnerships with the private sector to overcome budgetary constraints and provide innovative solutions for learners. The collaboration between DBE and McDonald’s will be closely monitored to evaluate its impact on underprivileged children’s ability to continue learning at home.
The government will also focus on enhancing professional development opportunities for teachers to attract and retain qualified educators, while alleviating administrative burdens they face. Strategies and best practices shared during the Lekgotla will be implemented to support teachers’ effectiveness.
Moreover, efforts will be directed toward improving early childhood education programs, numeracy, and early reading initiatives to address the concerns raised by President Ramaphosa and elevate the overall education quality in South Africa.
As the Basic Education Lekgotla 2025 wraps up, attendees are hopeful for the future of education in South Africa. The collaborative efforts and strategic dialogues that took place during the event are anticipated to lead to significant advancements in the sector, ultimately benefiting students and the nation at large.
