The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZNDoE) hosted the G20 Provincial Education Indaba in Durban on 10 June 2025. The Indaba brought together education stakeholders to explore solutions for strengthening Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in resource-constrained environments under the theme: “Exploring Current Opportunities for Developing ECCE for the Future in Resource-Constrained Environments”. The Indaba aligned with South Africa’s G20 Education Working Group objectives and underscored the country’s commitment to inclusive quality foundational education.
Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule was in attendance, alongside the KZN Premier, Mr Thami Ntuli, Education MEC, Mr Sipho Hlomuka and Cllr Zamazulu Sokhabase of the eThekwini Metro. The proceedings of the day were led by Mr Nkosinathi Ngcobo, head of KZNDoE. MEC Hlomuka reflected on the progress made in the past 25 years, particularly access, infrastructure and social support, whilst calling for urgent improvement in learning outcome and workforce alignment. Mr Hlomuka stated: “Let us commit to action that uplift, empowers and unites”. Dr Mhaule echoed the sentiments, calling for bold innovation, inter-sectoral collaboration, and expansion of scalable ECCE models. She emphasised the importance of mobile ECCE units, low-cost materials and digital tools in achieving universal access to quality early learning. “When we shape the beginnings, we shape the future,” she declared.
The Indaba featured a series of dynamic panel discussions that focused on key themes in ECCE. The first panel explored how ECCE can address educational disparities; and improve foundational skills and integrated technology in resource-limited settings. Experts from the University of KZN and Unizulu shed light on bridging gaps through equitable tech-enabled learning. The second panel discussion took place in the third session, under the theme “fostering collaboration with stakeholders including a capable professional workforce”. The panel discussion was moderated by Mr Duncan Hindle from Education Dialogue SA. This panel focused on stakeholder collaboration and workforce development. Presentations included the implementation of the National Curriculum Framework, strategies for stakeholder engagement and community-led ECCE initiatives. The final panel of the day took place during Session Four under the theme: “Measuring Quality.” The discussion was moderated by DBE’s Ms Kulula Manona, Chief Director for Foundations for Learning. The panel examined how to measure and sustain quality in ECCE. Discussions focused on inclusive education for learners with special needs, the role of professional learning communities and lessons from monitoring classroom support to reinforcing the importance of inclusive practices, peer collaboration and responsive support systems.
As the Indaba concluded, Mr Godwin Khosa, NECT CEO, delivered a closing reflection, praising the province for a solution-oriented mind-set and encouraging all stakeholders to take pride in the progress made. The KZN G20 Provincial Education Indaba stood as a milestone in reimagining early learning, with strong emphasis placed on collaboration, professional development and practical action. The province has demonstrated its readiness to lead by example by building inclusive, high-quality ECCE systems that can shape a better future for all.