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By Johnathan Paoli
A skills development dialogue organised by Sibanye-Stillwater in partnership with Inside Education saw panellists calling for a frank consideration of ways to expand educational development in the country.
The event, at the University of Johannesburg, brought together educators, policymakers, and industry leaders during the week to discuss critical issues surrounding early childhood development (ECD), basic education, and the transformation of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
The first panel focused on the essential role of ECD centres in fostering a skills-oriented culture from a young age.
Panellists emphasised that these centres were more than just daycare facilities; they served as foundational blocks for lifelong learning.
Shamiso Chideme from Tshikululu Investments highlighted the urgent need to support under-resourced ECD centres, advocating for their evolution into vibrant hubs of learning and development.
“We must capacitate these centres to ensure they can provide quality education and care,” Chideme said.
Sibusiso Khumalo from education platform iCAN4IR reinforced the significance of early intervention, noting that “anything that ends wrong starts wrong”.
He explained that systemic challenges observed in later grades often have roots in early childhood experiences.
Tsakani Baloyi from the Gauteng education department added that while a set ECD curriculum existed, its effective implementation remained a challenge, especially in centres managed by local community members.
Baloyi observed that resource allocation for ECD centres need not be exorbitant, as children thrived through imaginative and creative learning experiences.
“Proper planning and execution can make a world of difference,” she said.
The second panel delved into the state of basic education and its readiness for a skills-based approach.
A key issue raised was the country’s low child literacy rates.
Basic Education deputy director-general Barney Mthembu explained that while learners could read, the materials often failed to engage their interest.
“We must ask ourselves if we are producing content that resonates with our students,” he said.
Ernest Rangaka from the Tlou Institute echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of engaging learners with materials relevant to their ever-changing environments.
Oupa Bodibe from the Gauteng education department raised concerns about the recent shift in teacher training from colleges to universities, suggesting that training colleges provided a more appropriate setting for developing practical teaching skills.
The panel also tackled the challenge of fostering a culture of reading among children.
Bodibe noted that promoting early reading was almost impossible when parents themselves do not model a reading habit.
Rangaka further pointed out that students often struggled to translate their skills into entrepreneurial ventures, highlighting the need for a more integrated approach to education that allowed learners to leverage their abilities effectively.
The final panel focused on the transformation of the TVET sector to create an optimal environment for a new calibre of students.
Pule Mashele from the Higher Education Department stressed the need for TVET colleges to equip students not only for employment, but also for entrepreneurship.
“We must prepare our students to explore the possibility of being employers themselves,” he said.
Zuko Mbolekwa from Ekurhuleni East TVET College acknowledged the diverse age range of students, which could sometimes create apprehension among parents.
He assured attendees that TVET lecturers were trained to address the academic and social needs of all students, ensuring a supportive learning environment.
The dialogue highlighted the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by young learners, particularly in mixed-age classrooms.
Mbolekwa emphasised the sensitivity and training of TVET staff in catering to the varied needs of students, ultimately fostering a nurturing educational space.
The dialogue served as a crucial platform for discussing the interconnectedness of ECD, basic education and TVET, with panellists sharing valuable insights on how to cultivate a skills culture in the country, stressing the need for investment in resources, training and engaging educational content.
INSIDE EDUCATION