Edufundi celebrates 25 years and releases its 2023 Annual Report
June 26, 2024Busy Yet Invigorating Week for Edufundi’s KZN Team
July 23, 2024Edufundi Welcomes New Leadership in South Africa’s Basic Education Sector; Calls for Teacher Support to be Front and Centre of New Agenda: A Hopeful Future for Quality Education
Key Takeaways:
- Edufundi, a leading education non-profit organisation, welcomes the appointment of Siviwe Gwarube as Minister of Basic Education.
- It urges Gwarube to place teacher development and support front and centre in her agenda for change.
- Research shows that quality teaching and effective leadership are the two most significant factors in improving student outcomes.
- To improve learning outcomes, improving the quality of teaching is critical, and urgently needed: South Africa has a shortage of qualified and experienced teachers, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
- Equity, social justice and community engagement should also be prominent in Gwarube’s strategy for educational reform.
- Edufundi’s mentoring and professional development programmes have improved teacher practices, facilitated more effective school management, and enhanced children’s engagement and academic achievement.
Diepsloot, Gauteng - Mr Mohlatlole G3 being observed by Edufundi mentor
Edufundi, a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of education in South Africa’s primary schools, welcomes the recent changes in the executive cabinet, particularly in the Basic Education Ministry. “ The appointment of the new Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube marks a moment of transition and opportunity for the education sector in South Africa, Edufundi urges Gwarube to place teacher support and development front and centre in her agenda for change,” says Edufundi CEO, Stu Letsatsi.
About Siviwe Gwarube
Gwarube, recently appointed as the Minister of Basic Education in South Africa, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. Edufundi is optimistic that her background in politics, health advocacy, and communications gives her a unique position to address the challenges and opportunities within the education sector.
Key Levers for Change
Research shows that quality teaching and effective leadership are two of the most significant factors in improving learner outcomes. Continuous professional development should be at the centre of Gwarube’s agenda to improve South Africa’s education system.
“Edufundi encourages the new Minister to draw on homegrown, evidence-based models that improve the quality of teaching in the classroom and elevate leadership within the school system” says Stu. As a partner to schools across the nation, Edufundi has been at the forefront of supporting educators through mentoring and professional development programmes based on the proven techniques of internationally recognised education experts, such as Doug Lemov. Our initiatives have consistently demonstrated that effective teaching practices can significantly improve learner outcomes, even in the most challenging environments.
Effective teaching enables curriculum innovation, and can support the Ministry’s efforts to modernise and enrich the national curriculum, making it more relevant and engaging for learners.
Edufundi also encourages the new Minister to place equity, access and social justice front and centre in the Basic Education agenda. In particular, addressing disparities in resource distribution is crucial to work towards educational equity, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Community engagement is also key: education is a collaborative effort. We are optimistic that Gwarube will sustain her past focus on equity and social justice and advocacy for marginalised communities to reduce disparities in the education system, and take a grassroots approach marked by active engagement with parents, teachers and local communities.
And Edufundi is optimistic that Gwarube will take a holistic approach to policies that address learner well-being, health and social support as part of a comprehensive strategy for educational reform.
An Emphasis on Equity and Access
- Commitment to Social Justice: Gwarube's career has been marked by a focus on equity and social justice. As Minister of Basic Education, she is likely to prioritise initiatives that ensure all South African children have access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background. Her advocacy for marginalised communities will drive efforts to reduce disparities in the education system.
- Community Engagement: Known for her active engagement with communities, Gwarube may bring a grassroots approach to the Department. She understands the importance of involving parents, teachers, and local communities in the education process, fostering a collaborative environment for educational improvement.
This emphasis on equity, access and social justice are a key focus area for Edufundi. Edufundi aims to provide quality, sustainable mentorship and capacity-building in South African Primary schools, so that all our children are able to achieve their full potential.
Vision for Education:
Gwarube’s holistic approach to policy - considering social, economic, and health factors - will contribute to a comprehensive strategy for educational reform. She is expected to address not only the school curriculum but also the well-being of learners, incorporating health and social support into educational policies, all of which Edufundi supports and values.
Shukumani Gauteng - Mrs Mapalala G3 supportedby Zuko Mazosiwe
Key Focus Areas
Gwarube’s appointment is a promising step toward a more robust and supportive educational framework in South Africa. Her vision of an inclusive and equitable education system resonates with Edufundi’s goals. Under her leadership, we anticipate and hope for a renewed focus on critical areas such as:
- Teacher Development: A renowned education activist, Mary Metcalfe, professor of practice at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), said the new minister should also look at what is working and what isn't when it comes to teacher support and the opportunities for professional development of teachers across all provinces and districts.
Gwarube’s emphasis on continuous professional development for teachers is expected to enhance the quality of education. Edufundi supports professor Mary Metcalfe on the view that the new minister should also look at what is working and what isn't when it comes to teacher support and the opportunities for professional development of teachers across all provinces and districts. Edufundii supports this and will continue to scale-up our mentoring programmes, ensuring that educators receive the support and training necessary to thrive in their roles. - Resource Allocation: Addressing the disparity in resource distribution is crucial for educational equity. Edufundi looks forward to seeing how the gaps in the education sector are identified and bridged, particularly in rural and underserved communities, ensuring that all students have access to quality learning materials and facilities, and are able to achieve their full potential.
- Curriculum Innovation: Innovation in the curriculum that meets the needs of the 21st-century learner is a key focus. Edufundi’s experience in implementing effective teaching strategies can contribute to the Department’s efforts to modernise and enrich the national curriculum, making it more relevant and engaging for students.
An Optimistic Future for Education
Gwarube’s appointment as the Minister of Basic Education brings a promising blend of experience, dedication, and innovative thinking to the cabinet.
Edufundi remains dedicated to its vision of a South Africa where every child has access to high-quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background. “We are optimistic and hopeful that Gwarube’s appointment as the Minister of Basic Education brings a promising blend of experience, dedication, and innovative thinking to the cabinet”, says Miss Letsatsi, “we are hopeful that under Gwarube’s leadership, the Basic Education Department will drive meaningful change and progress in the sector. Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, described Gwarube’s appointment as the dawn of “a new era”.
“The fact that a young person was appointed should be optimistic - it is the right appointment. She must work and be supported by stakeholders within the terrain to fulfill her mandate of taking the education sector to greater heights,” said Makaneta.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gwarube on her new role and express our readiness to support her in this critical journey. Together, we can build a brighter future for South Africa’s children, empowering them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an ever-changing world so that all children may reach their full potential.
About Edufundi:
Edufundi is a non-profit organisation that partners with primary schools in South Africa to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Through mentorship and professional development, Edufundi supports educators in implementing effective teaching practices, which ultimately improves enhancing student outcomes.
For more information, please visit www.edufundi.org.za or contact us at communications@edufundi.org.za.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Khumalo
Head of Communications, Edufundi
Phone: +27 71 573 1948
Email: communications@edufundi.org.za