The President’s recent address at the Basic Education Lekgotla has reaffirmed the critical role of education in shaping South Africa’s future. His emphasis on foundational learning, technological adaptation, and vocational pathways reflects the urgency of aligning the education system with both global trends and national imperatives.
However, while acknowledging the progress made, particularly in matric results, we must confront the stark reality that much work remains to be done to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
The Challenge of Foundational Learning
The President rightly highlighted the alarming literacy and numeracy crisis in early education, with more than 80% of Grade 4 learners unable to read for meaning in any language. This fundamental gap not only impairs future academic achievement but perpetuates cycles of inequality and economic disadvantage. If South Africa is to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4) by 2030, urgent and targeted interventions in early childhood education and teacher training must be prioritised.
Organisations such as Afrika Tikkun Bambanani have been at the forefront of addressing these challenges by implementing structured learning programmes that bridge gaps in early childhood development. However, without a broader, systemic commitment from the government, including increased funding, improved infrastructure, and enhanced teacher support, these efforts will not reach the scale required to make a national impact.
Technology: A Tool, Not a Replacement
The President’s recognition of the evolving job market and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) underscores the need for an education system that prepares learners for a digital world. The emphasis on AI tools, big data, and the decline of traditional entry-level jobs must translate into tangible curriculum reforms that equip learners with critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
However, we must also recognise the digital divide that persists in many parts of the country. Many learners lack access to basic digital resources, let alone AI-driven educational tools. The government must ensure that technological advancements in education do not deepen inequalities but rather serve as enablers of inclusivity and progress.
Inclusion Must Be More Than a Policy
One of the most commendable aspects of the President’s address was his recognition of the need for greater inclusion, particularly for learners with disabilities. The inclusion of Deaf SA and Blind SA in the Lekgotla programme is a positive step, but inclusion must go beyond representation. Children with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to quality education, including inadequate specialised resources, teacher training gaps, and physical accessibility challenges.
Inclusion must become more than a policy statement; it must be embedded in every aspect of educational planning and implementation. This requires increased investment in inclusive education training for teachers, accessible learning materials, and infrastructure that accommodates all learners.
While the President’s vision for education reform is commendable, these commitments must translate into concrete action. South Africa has the legislative framework to ensure every child’s right to education, as enshrined in the Constitution and the Children’s Act. However, systemic inequalities, underfunding, and poor implementation continue to undermine this right.
We challenge the government to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action to guarantee that every child, regardless of their background or abilities, has access to quality education. This includes increasing investment in early childhood development, urgently addressing the literacy crisis, ensuring digital inclusion, and prioritising support for learners with disabilities.
Education is not just a policy priority; it is a fundamental human right. As we stand on the brink of a new era shaped by technology, globalisation, and economic shifts, South Africa’s future will be determined by how well we educate and empower our children today. The time for action is now.
* Bakos is writing on behalf of Afrika Tikkun Bambanani, which aims to uplift children's lives and enhance the quality of ECD teaching in South Africa.