Deputy Minister for Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, attended the eLearning Africa Ministerial Roundtable in Accra, Ghana, from 3 to 4 June 2026. The high-level platform, co-hosted by the Government of Ghana and eLearning Africa, brought together African Ministers, policymakers and global stakeholders to exchange insights, strengthen partnerships and advance practical solutions for digital education, innovation and skills development. Held under the theme: “Africa’s Time, Africa’s Terms: Learning for Sovereignty, Strength and Solidarity”, the engagement emphasised the need for African-led responses to digital transformation, with a focus on innovation, inclusion and resilience.
The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Ms Ncedile Mdhluli, Ms Boitumelo Butjie, Ms Nomsa Shabangu and Ms Zubeida Sattar. As a panellist on “AI, Innovation and Human Capacity for Africa’s Digital Future,” she underscored the importance of Africa taking ownership of emerging technologies, noting that countries must move from passive consumption to active co-creation of digital solutions aligned to African contexts. She further highlighted the central role of educators, stressing that AI should enhance teacher efficiency rather than replace teachers, and that educators must be equipped with the necessary skills and tools to integrate technology effectively in classrooms.
The Deputy Minister also outlined South Africa’s approach to AI readiness, including the development of strong legal and ethical frameworks, data protection measures, and a National AI in Education Framework. She emphasised that digital innovation must be balanced with the strengthening of foundational learning, ensuring that literacy, numeracy and critical thinking remain central.
On the sidelines of the Roundtable, the delegation held bilateral engagements with African and international partners to explore opportunities for collaboration, share best practice and strengthen partnerships. These engagements supported South Africa’s priorities of digital transformation in education, integration of emerging technologies, teacher development, and improved access to quality education, particularly for learners in rural and marginalised communities.
Overall, participation in the Ministerial Roundtable enabled South Africa to contribute to continental policy dialogue on digital education and ethical AI adoption, whilst reinforcing its commitment to building a responsive, inclusive and future-ready basic education system.