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By Nkhensani Chauke
South Africa is dedicated to leveraging international partnerships to improve the education system and address the needs of all learners in a quickly changing world, according to the Basic Education Department.
Minister Siviwe Gwarube held meetings with several international partners this week to strengthen the country’s commitment to upgrading the educational sector via global collaborations.
They included discussions with Andrew Schleicher, who is the director for education and skills at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
They spoke about the joint work programme (JWP) between South Africa and the OECD.
The JWP, which is aligned to the country’s National Development Plan, supports initiatives in early childhood education, career development and curriculum standards.
“The meeting also covered South Africa’s participation in the 2024 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), which offers insights into teacher development and education trends.
“Additionally, the OECD offered support for South Africa’s Education Working Group during its G20 Presidency in 2025,” the department said in a statement on Friday.
She also met European Union (EU) ambassador Sandra Kramer on the EU’s partnerships with South Africa, especially in the field of education.
“This partnership has notably improved literacy, numeracy and technology education, especially in Grades 7 to 9. The minister expressed her gratitude for the EU’s 30 years of support whilst highlighting the importance of continued collaboration,” the department said.
In the minister’s meeting with humanitarian aid organisation Unicef’s country representative, Christine Muhigana, they focused on early childhood development (ECD), quality basic education and adolescent development.
“Unicef has played a significant role in supporting South Africa’s efforts to improve ECD, boosting educational outcomes and empowering adolescents, particularly girls, in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The partnership also aims to strengthen teaching practices and promote skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” the department said.
Gwarube has also sought an extension of the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) collaboration which started in 2012. It focuses on improving Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) education.
The extension is to finalise the National Mathematics Improvement Plan.
INSIDE EDUCATION
