The DBE convened a national symposium on advancing learner participation through Representative Councils of Learners (RCLs) in secondary schools from 2 to 3 October 2025, at the ANEW Hotel in Benoni. The symposium brought together learners, educators, School Governing Body Associations and Principal Associations, as well as key stakeholders from across the country to reflect on the role of RCLs in promoting learner voices, leadership, and democratic participation within schools. In her opening remarks, Deputy Director for Social Cohesion and Equity in Education (SCEE), Ms Malebo Lefoka, emphasized the importance of strengthening learner representation as part of building accountable and inclusive school governance structures. She reminded participants that RCLs are not only statutory requirements, but vital platforms for preparing young people to participate meaningfully in a democratic society.

Deputy Chief Education Specialist for Education Management and Governance Development (EMGD), Ms Matlhodi Motsepe, highlighted that whilst RCLs play a crucial role in amplifying learner voices, they face persistent challenges of inadequate support, weak coordination, and inconsistent implementation across schools. She called on provinces to ensure that RCLs are fully functional and supported, with management teams and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) providing strong guidance and accountability. Ms Motsepe further underscored the importance of capacity building, continuous mentorship, and regular monitoring to strengthen RCL systems and to ensure that learner leadership becomes a living practice rather than a procedural formality. She urged that best practices from provinces be documented and shared to inspire collective improvement.

Representing the United Association of School Governing Bodies (UASGB), Mr Marokhu reiterated that learner leadership is central to strengthening schools and enhancing governance structures. He encouraged schools to recognize RCLs as active contributors to governance processes rather than symbolic entities. He further appealed to SGBs to invest in developing the leadership potential of learners and to engage them in addressing issues such as infrastructure, safety, and resource management. Looking ahead, Mr Reitumetse Rapulane from SCEE outlined recommendations coming out of the June National RCL summit. The six recommendations include voter education, youth-led campaigns, health and well-being, amplifying learner voices nationally and internationally, financial literacy, and leadership training camps. He highlighted that such initiatives not only promote civic engagement but also equip learners with practical skills that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

As the symposium concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to advancing learner leadership at all levels of the education system. The DBE reaffirmed that investing in RCLs is not merely an administrative requirement but a moral and developmental imperative. Empowering learners to lead is an investment in South Africa’s democratic future, as it builds confidence, accountability, and civic responsibility amongst young people. When learners are guided, supported, and trusted to lead, they rise to the challenge, transforming their schools, inspiring their peers, and shaping a better society for generations to come.