Dep. Basic Education

As the evening drew to a close at the 5th annual AVBOB Road to Literacy winner announcement, there was a shared sense that this was more than an event, it was a reflection of a national journey shaped by sustained partnership between the Department of Basic Education (DBE), AVBOB and Oxford University Press Southern Africa. Over the past five years, this collaboration has grown into a meaningful force for change, with now 2,000 schools across all nine provinces now set to receive mobile trolley libraries filled with books that open doors to learning, imagination, and opportunity for thousands of children. The room was uplifted by the powerful voices of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls Choir, a moving reminder of the promise and potential that live within South Africa’s learners. In that closing moment, the impact of the DBE’s commitment alongside its partners was evident, not in words alone, but in action: strengthening foundational learning, transforming classrooms into spaces of possibility, and steadily changing the trajectory of young lives, one school, one learner, and one story at a time. #AVBOBRoadToLiteracy #ReadToLead #AVBOB #OUPSA #MotherTongueEducation #InclusiveEducation #EducationZA #GovZAUpdates

“No institution thrives in isolation. True progress is not written only in balance sheets, but in the communities we serve.” In her address at the AVBOB Road to Literacy Campaign, Minister of Basic Education Ms Siviwe Gwarube emphasised that sustainable partnerships between government and the private sector must go beyond short-term corporate social investment and become long-term, shared commitments to solving South Africa’s literacy crisis. She highlighted the growing partnership with AVBOB in its fifth year with the Department of Basic Education, noting the expansion of its library trolley initiative, which has delivered thousands of book-filled trolleys to schools across the country in multiple languages. She described this as a transformative effort now reaching a quarter of South Africa’s schools. The Minister stressed that early-grade literacy and numeracy are critical not only for educational success but also for economic inclusion, warning that children who cannot read for meaning by age 10 face lifelong limitations. She framed literacy as a national economic imperative, linking it directly to poverty reduction, workforce development, and long-term national prosperity. She concluded with a strong appeal to corporate South Africa and philanthropic partners to move from isolated acts of support to sustained, collective action that ensures every child can access quality education and opportunity. “Let us walk this road together, the road to literacy, the road to opportunity, and the road to a thriving South Africa where every child, no matter where they are born, can read their way into a future they once only dreamed of.” Ms Siviwe Gwarube #AVBOBRoadToLiteracy #ReadToLead #AVBOB #OUPSA #MotherTongueEducation #InclusiveEducation #EducationZA #GovZAUpdates

#RTL2026 | It begins with a book but today, it grows into a movement. 📚 The Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, joins the AVBOB Road to Literacy campaign as it returns for its fifth year. Together with Oxford University Press Southern Africa and the Department of Basic Education, this initiative continues to turn pages of possibility for thousands of young learners across the country. Today’s rollout of 2,000 trolley libraries, each filled with 500 books, will reach 2,000 schools across South Africa. This goes beyond delivery; it is the quiet unlocking of imagination, the strengthening of young voices, and the promise that every child, no matter where they are, can discover the power of reading. #AVBOBRoadToLiteracy #ReadToLead #AVBOB #OUPSA #MotherTongueEducation #InclusiveEducation #EducationZA #GovZAUpdates

This year, the AVBOB Road to Literacy Campaign aims deepens its commitment to inclusion and equitable learning by embracing all 11 official languages, ensuring that children can learn and fall in love with reading in the languages they understand best. It also introduces Braille trolley libraries, a powerful step toward true accessibility; ensuring that blind and visually impaired learners are fully included in the literacy journey, with books that speak not only to their minds, but to their lived experience and dignity. Ms Kebo Mosweusweu, AVBOB General Manager for Shared Value and Sustainability, emphasised that sustainable transformation in education depends on strong collaboration between government, the private sector, and communities. She noted that this partnership approach is key to improving literacy, supporting educators, and creating meaningful opportunities for learners. #AVBOBRoadToLiteracy #ReadToLead #AVBOB #OUPSA #MotherTongueEducation #InclusiveEducation #EducationZA #GovZAUpdates

#FakeNewsAlert | The Department of Basic Education rejects as fake and misleading the claims about Hubert Mathanzima Mweli. There is no evidence, official record, or credible report supporting the allegation of a R285 million tender being improperly awarded. These claims are baseless and harmful misinformation. The public is urged to verify information before sharing. #EducationZA #GovZAUpdates

The last session of the day consisted of a reflective panel discussion under the theme Fostering Freedom, Creativity, and Unity, forming part of the UNESCO International Jazz Day Seminar and Programme. The session was moderated by Professor Nomthandazo Ntlama-Makhanya of the University of Fort Hare and featured contributions from Prof Ferim Valery (UFH), Mr Mbulelo Dayimane (Lovedale TVET College), and Dr Thozama April (UFH). Deliberations centred on the value of jazz as both a creative discipline and an educational resource that fosters critical thinking, cultural awareness, and meaningful dialogue. The panel explored how jazz continues to contribute to global conversations on peace, diplomacy, and cultural understanding, while also serving as a dynamic tool within teaching and learning environments. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of educators, institutions, communities, and artists in supporting young people to engage with jazz beyond performance, positioning it as a lens through which broader societal themes, creativity, and innovation can be explored. This approach underscored the potential of the arts to enrich education and inspire a new generation of culturally conscious and socially aware citizens. The session was further strengthened by inputs from discussants Prof Mbangiseni Nepfumbada, Ms Hlengiwe Pepeteni, and Mr Lubabalo Majdu, whose contributions reinforced the importance of sustaining collaborative platforms that advance creativity, knowledge-sharing, and unity. #EducationZA #UNESCO #InternationalJazzDay #GovZAUpdate

Prof Moses Phooko, Chair of the UNESCO Chair of Human Rights, provided an overview of the Chair’s work and its strategic location in Alice, emphasising its role within South Africa’s broader constitutional and educational landscape. Prof M R Phooko highlighted that the Chair had consistently focused on strengthening human rights education and awareness, with particular emphasis on supporting public institutions and communities in understanding the practical application of human rights principles in everyday governance and service delivery. #EducationZA #UNESCO #InternationalJazzDay #GovZAUpdates

The UNESCO International Jazz Day Seminar and Celebration is taking place at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape, bringing together thought leaders, academics, and practitioners to engage on the intersection of jazz, culture, and human rights. Hosted by the UNESCO ‘Oliver Tambo’ Chair of Human Rights at the University of Fort Hare, in collaboration with the South African National Commission for UNESCO, the seminar advances dialogue on the role of the arts in fostering cultural understanding, safeguarding heritage, and supporting sustainable development. #EducationZA #UNESCO #InternationalJazzDay #GovZAUpdates

As a continuation of his #DistrictSupportProgramme, in the Northern Cape province. Director-General Mr Mathanzima Mweli met with education officials this morning at the Pixley Ka Seme education district, strengthening frontline leadership, sharpening accountability, and driving focused curriculum delivery where it matters most. These engagements reinforce the Department’s hands-on approach to supporting districts, unlocking performance, and ensuring every learner is set up for success. #EducationInAction #LeaveNoLearnerBehind #Classof2026ZA #EducationZA #GovZAUpdates

The action is heating up on Day 1 of the 2026 Autumn Athletics National School Sport Championships at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria. Young athletes are stepping up and delivering impressive performances, demonstrating determination, resilience and a true love for the sport. The competition is fierce and the atmosphere is electric, with every race, jump and throw reflecting the hard work and dedication of learners from across South Africa. From standout track performances to remarkable moments in the field, today is already shaping up to be a celebration of excellence, unity and the future of South African athletics. #2026AutumnAthleticsNSSC #SchoolSportIsAlive #LetSchoolsPlay #LetlearnersPlay

The 2026 Autumn Athletics National School Sport Championships commenced with an exciting Opening Ceremony at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria. Learners from across South Africa came together in a vibrant celebration of unity, talent and school sport excellence as the championships began. The energy, pride and enthusiasm on display set the tone for an unforgettable competition ahead. Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, attended the Opening Ceremony to wish the learners well and encourage them to continue pursuing their passion for sport with dedication and determination. We wished all participating athletes success as they represented their provinces with pride and excellence. #2026AutumnAthleticsNSSC #SchoolSportIsAlive #LetSchoolsPlay #LetlearnersPlay #GovZAUpdates

The track is set, the energy is building, and South Africa’s young stars are ready to shine. The Department of Basic Education, together with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, in partnership with South African Schools Athletics, proudly hosts the 2026 Autumn Athletics National School Sport Championships at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria from 29 April to 02 May 2026. Learners from across all provinces will compete in a celebration of talent, determination, unity and school sport excellence. From thrilling sprints to field events, the championships showcase the future of South African athletics while promoting nation-building and social cohesion. Wishing all athletes the very best as they take to the track and field. #2026AutumnAthleticsNSSC #SchoolSportlsAlive #LetSchoolsPlay #LetlearnersPlay

Across the Northern Cape, the Class of 2025 achieved an impressive 87.79% in the NSC results, securing 6th place nationall , a clear reflection of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering commitment of both learners and educators. The province has also been recognised as the most improved, marking a significant stride forward in performance. Building on this strong foundation, the DG engaged with the Class of 2026 from various schools within the district, offering motivation, support and guidance to help them aim even higher in the year ahead. #EducationInAction #LeaveNoLearnerBehind #Classof2026ZA #EducationZA #GovZAUpdates

The Director-General of the Department of Basic Education, Mr Mathanzima Mweli, is in the Northern Cape province engaging directly with education stakeholders in the Zwelitlanga Fatman Mgcawu Education District. The morning session took place at Kakamas High School, where the DG met with district management to reflect on 2025 academic performance and strengthen plans for improved outcomes in 2026. These engagements reinforce the Department’s commitment to responsive leadership and continuous improvement across all districts. #EducationInAction #LeaveNoLearnerBehind #Classof2026ZA #EducationZA #GovZAUpdates

[MEDIA RELEASE] The Department of Basic Education (DBE) affirms its commitment to transparency and integrity in strengthening public understanding of its textbook screening processes. The Department clarifies that this process is not a tender and therefore does not involve procurement procedures such as bid submissions, company profiling, or the establishment of Bid Evaluation or Adjudication Committees. #EducationZA #GovZAUpdates

DG Mweli concludes his day having shared the remainder of his #DGs5NuggetsofWisdom with learners from Steinkopf High School, Nababeep High School, Concordia High School, Okiep High School, S.A. van Wyk High School, St Anna Independent School, Kharkams Combined School, and Garies High School. He encouraged learners to dedicate time to each subject, actively engage with their notes, and strengthen their understanding through consistent practice using past examination papers. By reviewing their work with memoranda, they built confidence and improved continuously. Learners were further reminded to follow a structured daily study routine, make full use of their learning materials, and invest time in reading, writing, and practising their work—strengthening their academic foundation through consistent effort. #EducationZA #ClassOf2026ZA #DGs5NuggetsOfWisdom #AcademicExcellence #StudySmart

As part of his #SchoolSupportProgramme, DG Mweli engages with the #ClassOf2026ZA of Namakwaland High School, where he shares his #DGs5NuggetsofWisdom. "Attend school every day, arrive on time, and remain fully engaged in each lesson." #EducationZA #GovZAUpdates

Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli, is engaging with education district officials during a morning session at Namakwaland High School in the Namakwa Education District, in Springbok, Northern Cape. The engagement forms part of the ongoing #DistrictSupportProgramme to strengthen collaboration, monitor progress, and support districts in advancing quality teaching and learning outcomes. #EducationZA #GovZAUpdates