The DBE hosted a High-Level Delegation from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) of the Republic of Namibia on a benchmarking visit, from 10 to 14 November 2025. The delegation included officials from the Office of the Prime Minster. The visit focused on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), Early Childhood Development (ECD), and Inclusive Education. The engagement aimed to promote collaboration, and sharing of best practices between South Africa and Namibia.
Both Ms Simoné Geyer, Acting Deputy Director-General in the Office of the Director-General and Mr Kondjeni Tjilale, Head of the delegation, acknowledged the historical ties between the two countries. Mr Tjilale indicated that their visit is grounded in a shared vision to strengthen ties between the two ministries, exchange best practices, and explore innovative approaches to improve the quality and equity of basic education across our borders.
As part of the programme, the Namibian delegation visited the Bokamoso Learning Centre in Pretoria, where they interacted with practitioners, observed classroom practices, and explored learner-centred and inclusive teaching approaches. The visit offered an opportunity to witness South Africa’s progress in nurturing child-friendly environments that prioritise play-based learning, creativity, and holistic development. It also demonstrated the DBE’s commitment to ensure that every child, regardless of background or ability, has access to quality education in supportive and enabling spaces. The presentations on South Africa’s transition of the ECD function from the Department of Social Development (DSD) to the DBE provided valuable insights, especially considering Namibia’s parallel reform efforts. The delegation received a comprehensive overview of the migration process, including the strategic measures and major policy reforms implemented to ensure the programme’s effective rollout. Emphasis was placed on establishing strong educational foundation for learners in their formative years. Chief Director of Foundations for Learning, Ms Kulula Manona said that partnerships of this nature remind us that education is not confined by borders, it is a shared responsibility that shapes the destiny of nations.
The delegation was further taken through the strides the DBE has made to improve its reading and numeracy programmes in the foundation phase, as studies have indicated that learners have difficulty to read for meaning. South Africa’s participation in International Studies has assisted the DBE in improving in this area. The DBE shared the National Reading Strategy with its main goal of ensuring that every 10-year-old reads with understanding.
The Teachers, Human Resource and Institutional Development Branch presented on its work to enhance teacher development to address both systemic and individual needs of educators across South Africa. This is done through implementing an integrated continuing professional teacher development programme through the Integrated Strategic Planning Framework to improve teacher capacity and practices for curriculum delivery; as well as improving teacher capacity through the effective use of platforms. Additionally, presentations on Post Provisioning and Norms and Standards for educator employment, teacher appreciation of educators were shared and the Funza Lushaka bursary offered to young people interested in studying teaching. The delegation expressed greater admiration for the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), which Namibia intends to adopt to establish assistants in resource schools for learners with disabilities, thereby ensuring that the needs of all learners are effectively addressed.
The Chief Executive Officer, Ms Ella Mokgalane, shared an overview of the role of the South African Council for Educators (SACE) within the South African education system. The delegation also visited the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership in Benoni, where they received a presentation on the Institute and the training programmes it offers.
The weeklong engagement visit concluded with a debriefing session at the DBE, led by Ms Hleki Mabunda, Director for International Relations and Multilateral Affairs, with delegates sharing their experiences, key insights, and takeaways from the engagement. The delegation expressed interest in establishing collaboration with the DBE in the areas of ECD, Teacher Development, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, and Inclusive Education. Both the DBE and MEIYSAC expressed confidence that this partnership will serve as a catalyst for regional transformation in foundational learning and inclusive education.