The Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, chaired a Council of Education Ministers (CEM) Workshop and Meeting that took place at the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Ministerial Boardroom in Pretoria on 17 to 18 September 2026 respectively.

Minister Gwarube addressed critical areas affecting basic education with matters on the agenda including the 2027 academic year readiness, along with the formula used to allocate teachers in schools; and the rationale for implementing lifestyle audits in the public service. “The Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule and I have already undertaken our full audits earlier this year,” she added.

Other matters for discussion included Early Childhood Development (ECD) Infrastructure expenditure in Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) and the vetting of all staff working with learners against the Child Protection Register and the National Register for Sexual offenders as these are critical for ensuring their safety.

The programme included a presentation by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) on educational achievements and sharing of best practice, whilst highlighting initiatives and approaches that have contributed to positive learner outcomes and progress within the education sector.

“These matters require urgency, decisive action and continued collaboration. Our focus must remain firmly on serving the 13.7 million South African learners, and our committed educators to ensure that we build “Strong Foundations for Strong Futures,” the Minister said.