The Department of Basic Education (DBE), in partnership with the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and the AGAPE Youth Movement, successfully hosted the 2026 Representative Council of Learners (RCL) National Learner Leadership Summit from 23 – 26 June 2026, at the ANEW Hotel OR Tambo in the Gauteng Province.
The Summit brought together learner representatives from all nine provinces for four days of learning, collaboration, and leadership development. More than a gathering of elected leaders, the Summit created a platform for young people to engage with one another; exchange ideas; and collectively shape the future of learner leadership in South Africa.
A highlight of the programme was a series of commission sessions, where delegates worked together to identify challenges affecting learners and develop practical recommendations. Discussions explored poverty; masculinity and gender equality; teen identity; agency; belonging and connectedness; the Provincial Coordinating Committee Terms of Reference; and policy consultation sessions with DBE officials, Teacher Liaison Officers (TLOs) and the South African Principals Association (SAPA). These engagements encouraged learner representatives to share provincial experiences, learn best practice from one another, and propose solutions to strengthen learner participation and school governance. Learners also participated in dialogues on migration, qualification transitions, and information integrity, gaining valuable insights into responsible leadership, critical thinking, and active citizenship. Throughout the Summit, delegates demonstrated that meaningful leadership is built through listening, collaboration, and a shared commitment towards improving the lives of fellow learners.
A major milestone of the Summit was the election of the 2026 National Representative Council of Learners (RCL) Executive Committee, which will represent learner voices nationally and champion the interests of learners across the country.
Closing the Summit, the Director for Education Management and Governance Development (EMGD), Mr Nkosana Thakgedi, commended delegates for their enthusiasm, thoughtful contributions, and commitment throughout the programme. He encouraged them to return to their schools ready to put their learning into action and expressed his gratitude towards the partners whose collaboration made the Summit possible.
As delegates returned to their respective provinces, they carried with them more than new knowledge and leadership skills; they left with renewed purpose, stronger networks, and a shared responsibility to inspire positive change. The Summit reaffirmed that when learner leaders work together, they become powerful partners in building safer, more inclusive, and future-ready schools.
The Summit took place during the 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary Commemoration of the 1976 Soweto Youth Uprising to raise awareness on the achievements of the past and empower today's youth to lead and thrive in a changing world, whilst positioning young people as active participants in shaping South Africa’s democratic, economic, social, and cultural future. Whilst the challenges facing today's generation differ from those confronted by the youth of 1976, they remain equally urgent. These include bullying; violence; gender-based violence; substance abuse; cyberbullying; misinformation; mental health challenges; and growing uncertainty about the future. The Youth of 1976 fought for access to education, dignity, and democratic freedoms. The responsibility of today's generation is to protect those gains, strengthen democratic participation, reject bullying and violence, champion inclusion, and use their voices to shape a better future; the true measure of leadership is not status or popularity, but the ability to uplift others and strengthen communities.