The anticipated eighth annual Basic Education Sector Lekgotla will be taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre, and virtually, from 26 to 28 January under the theme: “Equipping Learners with Knowledge and Skills for a Changing World Post the COVID-19 Pandemic”.
“These Makgotla assist us to reflect on the past year and initiate recommendations and an Action Plan to push through our comprehensive recovery plan on how the system is mitigating the impact of COVID-19 to recover learning losses. Furthermore, the Lekgotla will emerge with consensus on what will be done to rebuild the basic education system for future pandemics and crises, whilst reflecting on education priorities for the 6th Administration; the strengthening of the curriculum, including the Three Stream Model; and Entrepreneurial education. Globalisation, changing demographics and technological advancements are some of the key driving forces of our current times, and they will continue to shape our future,” said Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli.
Delegates attending the 2023 Lekgotla will include provincial Members of the Executive Councils (MECs) for Education and Heads of Departments (HoDs) of Education, national and district officials from across the country, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of various basic education sector entities, as well as representatives of teacher unions, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), School Governing Body (SGB) Associations and civil society partners. Eminent local, continental and international speakers, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), UNESCO and DBE Senior Managers will also be in attendance.
President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, will address delegates on the first day of the Lekgotla. Panel discussions will be at the order of each day to ensure rich and robust discussions on a variety of education sector-related topics. Five Commissions will deliberate the following topics: Foundations for Learning: Getting all learners to thrive; Transition from School to Work: developing and implementing a modernised curriculum for 21st Century skills and beyond; Teacher preparation, professionalism and well-being to deliver the curriculum within the context of a changing world; Education transformation through the use of Information Communication and Technology to support curriculum delivery post COVID-19; and Consolidating the package of Care and Support for Teaching and Learning (CSTL) through collaboration and partnership.
Basic Education Minister, Mrs Angie Motshekga, will be presenting the opening address during the 2023 Lekgotla on 26 January, whilst Deputy Minister Mhaule will be delivering the welcome address to delegates. The 2022 Basic Education Sector Lekgotla was held at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng Province, with over 200 delegates participating physically and approximately 500 virtual participants attending the daily sessions.