The DBE and the European Union (EU) have had a long-standing strategic relationship with regards to the Basic Education Sector. Minister Gwarube therefore met with a delegation of 23 EU Ambassadors on 10 December 2024, in a watershed moment in the history of diplomacy between the European Union and South Africa.

Minister Gwarube and the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to South Africa, Her Excellency, Ms Sandra Kramer, had an introductory meeting on 26 August 2024, where it was resolved that a breakfast meeting should be held with broader EU Ambassadors. The purpose of the meeting would be for the Minister to meet and engage with all EU Ambassadors on possible areas of collaboration. The meeting would also serve as a platform for strengthening and enhancing the relationship between the EU and the Department.

The EU has recently funded four strategic projects that focus on the delivery of quality education, research and digitalization. These include: Coding and Robotics; Systemic Improvement of Language and Numeracy (SILN) in the Foundation Phase; Education for Employability (E4E); The Three Stream Model; and The Rural Education Assistants Programme (REAP). All four projects allude to the investment in life-long learning; and the inclusion of girls, women and vulnerable groups in keeping with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.

The Basic Education Sector has always had the support of the EU countries. The DBE acknowledges the role of the EU in assisting with the transformation of the education system and in addressing the deficits in teaching, learning and innovation. 

During the meeting, areas of collaboration were identified as part of strengthening and enhancing the existing relationship between the EU and the DBE. Certain EU countries pledged to commit both financial and human resources towards the delivery of quality education and transformation of the Sector.

The Department looks forward to a successful collaboration between the EU and South Africa in 2025. “By investing in education, we are not only preparing our youth to contribute to the global family of nations, but also laying the foundation for an Africa that rises to its full potential. The DBE will be open, responsive and committed to working with you to advance our shared goals. Collaboratively, let us harness the potential of Africa’s youth, let us invest in the education they need, and build a foundation for growth that will benefit not just South Africa but the entire continent,” Minister Gwarube concluded her UN engagement.