Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, together with the Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule, has officially announced the new members of the National Education and Training Council (NETC) appointed to provide independent evidence-based advice on education policies and reforms in South Africa. The new members were announced in a media briefing held at Tshedimosetso House, in Pretoria on 27 August 2025.

 

In her remarks, Minister Gwarube indicated that the Basic Education Sector was committed to education reform, saying that any form of transformation in education  must be grounded in evidence. “In a rapidly changing world, no government can rely solely on instinct or tradition to guide policy. We need research, data, global best practice and advice from experts, to inform our decisions. This is why evidence-led policymaking is so central to our reform agenda. Government does not have a monopoly on good ideas. We require the insights of experts, the lived experience and expertise of practitioners, the wisdom of researchers, and the constructive critique of civil society. Our task is to govern wisely – guided by evidence, humility and an openness to knowledge,” said the Minister.

 

“The new members of the Council reflect a deliberate effort to bring together a wide spectrum of expertise in education policy, curriculum development and delivery, pedagogy and education management and governance. It is important to emphasise that, in line with its founding regulations, the NETC is deliberately diverse but not constituency based. Members contribute as individuals on the strength of their expertise and professional experience. These new members bring with them decades of classroom experience, experience in our districts and education departments, and experience in academia. Some bring expertise on how technology can improve the quality of teaching and learning, while others have expertise in data collection and analysis across a range of topics, including education economics,” highlighted Minister Gwarube.

 

The newly appointed NETC members are as follows:

 

1) Ms Penelope Vinjevold (Chairperson)

2) Dr Xolani Khohliso

3) Ms Zanele Mabaso

4) Ms Madimetja Dina Mamashela

5) Prof Judith McKenzie

6) Prof Paulus Jacobus Mentz

7) Mr Lebogang Stephen Montjane

8) Ms Mmatsetsweu Ruby Motaung

9) Prof Nicolette Roberts

10) Ms Maite Getrude Rammala

11) Ms Marie-Louise Samuels

12) Dr Selvia Kista (Mona) Singh

13) Dr Glodean Qondile Tintswalo Thani

14) Mrs Khathutshelo Onica Dederen

15) Dr Gabrielle Wills

 

Following their appointment, the members held their inaugural meeting at the DBE building on 27 August 2025. The meeting was intended to chart a way forward focusing on the priority areas of their mandate. Minister Gwarube thanked the new members for accepting the offer and encouraged them to work diligently in ensuring that the Basic Education Sector delivered the education of the highest quality in public schools.