The DBE will be hosting its annual Basic Education Sector Lekgotla at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre from 20 to 22 January 2026.
The Lekgotla remains the Minister’s flagship platform for strategic policy dialogue and sector-wide alignment, representing a unique international and national convening of stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, the private sector, labour formations, development partners and education experts from across the globe to review progress, identify challenges, and shape collective action towards improved learner outcomes. The 11th edition of the Lekgotla will be taking place under the theme: “Strengthening Foundations for a Resilient and Future-Ready Education System”.
The Lekgotla will conclude after robust discussions and deliberations during commissions providing feedback and recommendations on enhanced quality education outcomes. Building on the outcomes of the 2025 Lekgotla, the gathering will promote outcomes-based deliberations anchored on evidence, performance insights, and implementation lessons from across the sector, serving as the strategic nexus and transformative nucleus of South Africa’s basic education system to shape a shared and sustainable vision for the future of education.