The DBE, in partnership with the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship (JGF), has launched a new Wraparound Support Programme for novice primary school teachers aimed at supporting their completion of the New Teacher Induction Programme (NTIP). The initiative will be rolled out in phases across selected provinces, beginning in targeted districts in the Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces. The partnership is supported by the Provincial Educations Departments – Teacher Development Units: Ms Nothabizolo Msimang and the team in Gauteng, and Dr Shalati Manzini and the team in Limpopo as well as district and circuit officials.
The programme was officially launched during orientation sessions held from 6 to 7 February at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Johannesburg, and on 12 February 2026 at the Porche Villa Hotel and Conference Centre in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. The sessions brought together officials from national and provincial education departments, and more than 400 teachers from both provinces who will be the first cohorts of participants. VVOB provided introductory demonstrations of the Learning Management System (LMS) that the NTIP coursework is built on. The foundations of teacher professional development were firmly reiterated by SACE who spoke about the importance of echoing Professional Teaching Standards in the classroom.
In line with JGF’s existing early-career professional development work, the Wraparound Support Programme follows a structured, coaching-based model that provides novice teachers with pedagogical enrichment, psychosocial support and professional development aligned to the NTIP.
The programme has been designed to complement existing teacher induction initiatives, rather than duplicate or compete with them. “The programme is designed to work alongside the Department’s induction processes,” said Ms Banele Lukhele, JGF CEO. “By providing sustained support to early-career teachers, we aim to strengthen everyday classroom practice while supporting the successful completion of the New Teacher Induction Programme.”
Ms Lala Maje, Director for Initial Teacher Education at the DBE, welcomed the partnership, saying, “Here is a partner that wants to walk with our teachers. They can customise the support that comes to schools and circuits. Working with the province, JGF will be able to make this programme a success.”
The focus of the programme is on supporting novice teachers by strengthening confidence, reducing professional isolation, and reinforcing teachers’ sense of capability in the classroom as they navigate the completion of NTIP. Early indicators of success will include improved classroom practice, increased confidence among early-career teachers and stronger engagement with professional standards and learning communities. Over time, the programme aims to contribute to improved teacher retention and more stable learning environments in the Foundation Phase.