The Department of Basic Education (DBE) participated in the Mid‑Term Review (MTR) of the Second Session of the South Africa–Lesotho Bi‑National Commission (BNC), held from 7 to 9 September 2026, at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). The review assessed progress since the last BNC, held in 2025, when several cooperation agreements were concluded, including one in basic education.

The basic education agreement covers collaboration in areas such as school management, curriculum development, national assessment systems, technical and vocational education at secondary level, teacher development and exchanges, education management information systems, and the promotion of co‑curricular and extracurricular services.

During the MTR, both sides highlighted the need to strengthen the regulation of independent and satellite schools, particularly regarding registration. The MTR also emphasized the need for closer cooperation between governments and quality assurance institutions to ensure compliance with both countries' legal frameworks. Another key focus was developing mechanisms to identify and track learners from Lesotho who attend school daily in South Africa. The review reaffirmed the importance of structured cooperation in education, underscoring the shared commitment to improving governance, oversight, and quality in the sector.

As directed by the 2025 BNC, the two Ministries developed an Implementation Plan to operationalize the agreement. The Implementation Plan sets out priority areas and joint activities to ensure effective implementation for both countries. On 9 September 2026, Mr Mathanzima Mweli, Director‑General of the DBE, and Mr Ratsiu Majara, Principal Secretary of Education and Training of Lesotho, formally signed the Implementation Plan at DIRCO. At the ceremony, Mr Mweli highlighted the importance of mutual learning among countries in the region and across the continent.

The signing of the Implementation Plan represents a significant step in putting the agreement into practice and advancing shared priorities in basic education. It also marks an important milestone for both Ministries since the agreement was concluded and signed.