On Sunday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his new cabinet, appointing Siviwe Gwarube of the Democratic Alliance (DA) as the Minister of Basic Education. She will be supported by Dr. Reginah Mhaule who will serve South Africa as the Deputy Minister of Basic Education.
Gwarube expressed excitement at her appointment but was under no illusion of the size of the task before her.
I'm incredibly excited but also I understand the enormity of the responsibility
In February, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the Department of Basic Education was allocated R324.5 billion for the 2024/25 financial year, with additional money to cover teacher salaries. However, with the Cabinet-approved reductions of R2.8 billion over the medium term from various programmes, including the school infrastructure budget.
Gwarube has prioritised goals of improving numeracy and literacy among pupils and addressing critical infrastructure issues, like eliminating dangerous pit latrines.
The National Education Infrastructure Management System (NEIMS), employed by the DBE to monitor school facilities, highlighted significant gaps in its 2021 report. In the Eastern Cape alone, 90 schools remain without electricity, with projects to address this issue in varying stages of completion.
Additionally, 5,167 schools continue to rely on pit latrines, while nearly 70% lack library facilities, and over 58% lack computer centers.
The newly appointed Minister emphasised the urgent need to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills among students, emphasising the importance of reading for comprehension. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2016 report indicated that 78% of Grade 4 learners could not read for understanding in any language.
We've got to look at literacy and numeracy in our schools and make sure that children and Learners can read for meaning.
Gwarube underscored the necessity of collaboration with stakeholders, including trade unions, emphasising alignment on priorities such as learner well-being and teacher safety.
While the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) welcomed Gwarube's appointment, hoping for a focus on infrastructure improvements, overcrowding, safety, and continuing previous successes, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) expressed disappointment, alleging the DA demanded the Basic Education post and criticising the DA's historical stance against the union.
SADTU wants social justice, equitable education, and respect for educators' rights.
If our stakeholders, particularly our trade unions, if their priority is placing the learner at the centre of all that we do and of course placing the safety and the well-being of teachers as well then we're going to find each other.
BELA Bill
Gwarube also sought to allay concerns from stakeholders regarding the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill. The minister advocated for retaining beneficial aspects while addressing concerns about local authority empowerment.
The BELA Bill is aimed at enhancing oversight by education departments over schools. It seeks to ensure fair implementation of school admissions and language policies, addressing concerns about eroding School Governing Bodies (SGBs) autonomy.
Former Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga of the African National Congress (ANC), hailed the National Assembly’s passing of the BELA Bill) as a “watershed moment” for education in South Africa.
Gwarube, whose political allegiances lie with the DA, believes that stakeholders must work together regarding the bill to ultimately benefit the school learners. The DA has maintained its strong opposition to the bill.
I don't think it's wise to throw the entire bill out with the bath water. I think there are commendable aspects within the bill which we can keep but there are certain aspects which do disempower local authorities on certain aspects.
Looking forward, Gwarube highlighted the necessity of robust inter-ministerial collaboration to address pressing issues within schools. She emphasised the importance of strategic interventions to improve educational outcomes across the board.
