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By Palesa Nguqu
Deputy Higher Education Minister Dr. Mimmy Gondwe says small states face major challenges in building resilient and inclusive education systems, from limited economies of scale to talent retention.
She said South Africa is supporting its neighbours through collaboration, digital innovation, and skills development, initiatives that not only strengthen individual nations but also advance regional stability and shared prosperity.
Gondwe was speaking at the Ministerial Panel on Small States of the Commonwealth, held during the 11th Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF11) in Gaborone, Botswana, from 10–12 September 2025.
The forum, under the theme “Innovative Open Education: Fostering Resilient Societies for Sustainable Economic Development,” brought together education ministers from across the Commonwealth.
Delegates shared experiences, challenges, and successes in policy implementation, with the aim of fostering cross-learning and improving coordination between national policies and international frameworks.
Gondwe underscored the importance of solidarity and cooperation in ensuring no state is left behind.
“Small states face vulnerabilities such as limited economies of scale and talent retention challenges. But through partnerships, mutual recognition of qualifications, and shared knowledge, we can build resilient systems that are future-ready,” she said.
South Africa’s contributions include strengthening academic mobility, ensuring quality assurance, and advancing digital learning platforms.
Gondwe cited ongoing initiatives such as the SADC Protocol on Education and Training, which facilitates academic exchanges and the mutual recognition of qualifications.
“Our collaboration enables small states to access a broader pool of expertise and to develop joint initiatives that benefit all,” she explained.
South Africa also champions Open Distance Learning (ODL) through platforms like the National Open Learning Systems (NOLS).
“Through partnerships with Botswana, Lesotho, and Namibia, we are expanding opportunities for students who might otherwise be excluded from higher education,” noted Gondwe.
These platforms provide adaptable open educational resources tailored to local languages and contexts, promoting inclusivity and lifelong learning.
Support further extends to technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
The Department of Higher Education and Training is also working with countries such as Eswatini and Lesotho to align TVET programmes with industry needs and to develop a skilled workforce.
“Our goal is to equip young people with skills that are relevant and demanded by the economy,” said Prince Maele, Botswana’s Minister of Higher Education.
Research collaboration is another pillar of regional integration.
Mauritius and Seychelles, for example, have partnered with South African universities on projects related to sustainable ocean economies and climate adaptation. In addition, initiatives such as the Potential of Micro-Credentials in Southern Africa (POMISA) aim to create flexible, scalable learning pathways that support lifelong learning and improve employability.
Gondwe underscored that supporting small states is a matter of solidarity, not charity.
“Our collective future depends on how well we harness collaboration,” she said.
“Supporting small states is not charity—it is an act of shared regional interest, ensuring no nation is left behind in building resilient, knowledge-driven societies.”
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