Basic Education Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, will be participating in the Innovation Africa 2023 Summit in Kigali, Rwanda from 30 November – 2 December 2023. The 2023 Summit is taking place under the theme, “The Future of Education: Technology-Resilience-Quality”, and aims to explore how transformative technologies can enhance the resilience and quality of education systems in Africa to foster collaboration and innovation in the fields of education, technology and science, whilst showcasing best practice in skills development; digital literacy; quality teaching and learning; and bridging the gap between education and vocation.
Innovation Africa is a high-level Ministerial forum with countries on the African continent participating. Deputy Minister Mhaule is supported by Mr Seliki Tlhabane, Chief Director for MST and Curriculum Enhancement Programmes; Ms Ncedile Mdhluli, Head of Office for the Deputy Minister; and Ms Hleki Mabunda, Director, International Relations and Multilateral Affairs. Gauteng MEC for Education, Mr Matome Chiloane, will be participating in a session on Improving Standards with Sustainable and Inclusive Educational Technology; and Limpopo Education MEC, Ms Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, will be participating in a session, Education for All – Policies and Technologies for Inclusivity to Overcome Barriers to Learning.
Dr Mhaule addressed a panel session on 30 November titled, “System Transformation: What Does Transformation Look Like and How can it Improve the Quality of Education?” with the theme focusing on: “What does transforming education mean in Africa?” Participants in the panel session included the Minister of Education for Rwanda, Mr Gaspard Twagirayezu, as well as Ministers of Education from Angola, Ghana and Nigeria.
General questions on the panel theme were about policies or programmes to transform pedagogy that both improves the quality of teaching and engaging students in competencies they need for the digital world and the key ingredients of educational transformation to empower African learners to be the next generation of innovators. South Africa’s specific questions included: access and policies in place to ensure a greater uptake of foundational Mathematics and Science learning; reforms to accommodate 21st Century-based competencies; and ensuring equitable access to technologies and connectivity in South African schools to eliminate the digital divide.
Deputy Minister Mhaule said that, “the key ingredients of educational transformation to empower African learners include investing in Early Childhood Development (ECD) and early grade reading. South Africa has adopted the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy, which aims to provide a comprehensive package of quality early childhood development services for all children from conception to school-going age. Other ingredients include, amongst others, the strengthening of teacher capacity and motivation; expanding access to secondary and tertiary education and skills development; embracing a Skills-Based Curriculum; promoting STEM Education and Innovation; encouraging Entrepreneurship and Problem-Solving; and promoting Inclusive and Equitable Education”.
Dr Mhaule also touched on the Mathematics Teaching and Learning Framework for South Africa: Teaching Mathematics for Understanding that provides guidelines for teaching Mathematics in a learner-centred and competency-based way, focusing on the development of mathematical understanding, reasoning and problem-solving skills. She referred to the National Strategy for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education that aims to improve the quality and quantity of Mathematics, Science, and Technology education by addressing issues such as teacher development, curriculum alignment, learner support, resource provision and stakeholder engagement. The Three Stream Model for the diversification of curriculum offerings and pathways such as academic, technical-vocational and technical-occupational for learners from Grade 10 to Grade 12, was also under discussion. Deputy Minister Mhaule concluded with a focus on the Remote and Distance Learning (RDL) programme to enhance teaching and learning programmes through remote and distance learning mediums that integrate the use of TV and radio lesson broadcasts, as well as online learning platforms to provide learners with access to lessons both at school and home.
On the side-lines of the Summit, the Deputy Minister also held meetings with various industry organisations present at the summit to garner support for key priorities of basic education in South Africa.