The Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, addressed the Public Sector Leadership Summit 2026 at the Indaba Hotel this week, challenging education stakeholders to move “beyond commitments made on paper” and ensure every policy delivers real change in classrooms.
Speaking under the theme: “Turning Policy into Progress”, Dr Mhaule said the Department of Basic Education’s focus is on building an education system that leaves no learner behind. She linked this directly to South Africa’s commitment during Women’s Month to create opportunities for every girl to thrive.
“Education is where opportunity begins. It is where confidence is built, talent is discovered and aspirations are nurtured,” Dr Mhaule said. “If we want more women scientists, engineers, doctors, educators and leaders, we must begin by ensuring that every girl has access to quality learning from the earliest years of her life.”
The Deputy Minister unpacked the key DBE priorities: Expanding access to learning through programmes like the National School Nutrition Programme and No-Fee School Policy; strengthening Early Childhood Development as the foundation for learning; and tackling Foundational Literacy and Numeracy through the Early Grade Reading Programme and Foundation Phase Mathematics Improvement Programme.
She stressed that transforming education also means addressing barriers that keep children out of learning. “Learners face significant barriers. Poverty, unemployment, family instability, violence, substance abuse, grief, teenage pregnancy, bullying, anxiety and social isolation can all affect a learner’s ability to participate meaningfully in education,” she said. “An inclusive education system does not ask: ‘What is wrong with the child?’ It asks: ‘What barriers are preventing this child from learning, and what must we do to remove those barriers?’”
Other speakers echoed the call for collective action. Programme Director Ms Elma Akob, Founder of Elevate Africa Academy, said leaders must turn policy into measurable outcomes for children, families and communities. Dr Zukiswa Mqolomba, Commissioner and Deputy Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, added that districts must become “engines of instructional support and improvement” rather than just administrative structures.
In conclusion, Dr Mhaule called for stronger partnerships across government, schools, communities, academia and the private sector. “Our task is clear: every child must have the opportunity to learn, thrive and realise their full potential, regardless of geography, language, disability or socio-economic circumstances. Every learner matters. No child left behind. No learner forgotten. No potential wasted.”