Prof Mary Metcalf, prominent South African educator and academic, known for her extensive knowledge and contribution to the South African education system and policy, addressed Lekgotla delegates on the third and final day with a Call to Action: “We have collectively agreed on a list of priorities for the development of a cohesive framework for action. Our national priority remains the strengthening of quality foundational learning; this encompasses the Foundation and Intermediate Phase from Grade R (Compulsory Education) and Early Childhood Education Programmes (Including registered Early Childhood Education Programmes with subsidies for the most vulnerable). In addition, adequate nutrition and social infrastructure is another priority, along with school safety and infrastructure delivery. We cannot leave our vulnerable learners behind and inclusive education; health promotion; and social cohesion must be added to our list. Coherent curriculum, language and assessment reform should equip our learners with the knowledge and competencies to navigate a modern world. In addition, educational professional development is essential”. Prof Metcalf also highlighted selected key actions to advance equitable, high quality foundational learning going forward.

In his closing remarks, Dr Granville Whittle: Deputy Director-General for Sector Care and Support Services said that “the annual Lekgotla brings together all our partners, provinces and teacher unions over a three-day period to reflect on issues of education; and that is the strength of this platform. Prof Metcalf has eloquently covered all of the most important issues in her Call to Action. The key point from her presentation, was the issue of foundational learning as the overarching theme of the Lekgotla and what will drive us over the next five years. I do think that the issue of austerity and the context in which we work, is important and that context will shape the kinds of interventions we will undertake at this point in the development of the basic education sector, driven by data for evidence-based decisions and interventions.

Ms Simoné Geyer, DBE’s DDG for Delivery and Support, delivered the vote of thanks at the closing of the Lekgotla. She firstly expressed her gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa who has been supporting the platform since its inception and makes time in his busy schedule to attend the occasion on an annual basis to share his vision for the sector.

“We were also very fortunate to have three Ministers joining us for the Lekgotla, as well as the Chairpersons of the Portfolio and Select Committees. We were also joined by MECs, HoDs, chairpersons, facilitators and moderators during the sessions and commissions, education reporting entities, representatives of teacher unions, School Governing Body (SGB) Associations, academia, the private sector, development partners and education experts from across the globe who provided invaluable input”. Ms Geyer thanked the generous sponsors: UNICEF; the NECT; the British Council; the Zenex Foundation; Mvula Trust; Fundi; Oxford University Press; Cambridge University Press; Via Africa; and DBE Ecubed: “Together we are laying the groundwork for an educator system that imparts knowledge, and fosters critical thinking to prepare and navigate and shape a better future”.