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By Marcus Moloko
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has called for a bold reimagining of South Africa’s education system, urging government, industry, and communities to embrace technology and innovation as the foundation for future learning.
Speaking at the MTN Innovation Centre in Gauteng on Monday, where the Department of Basic Education, in partnership with MTN, hosted a celebratory breakfast honouring the country’s top-performing matriculants, Lesufi said education remained the cornerstone of society as it touched every household across the country.
“Education is key. There’s no single parent that does not have a child in the education system, or who has not had a child go through it. It’s paramount, it’s very, very important,” he said.
Lesufi said that Gauteng, as the economic hub of South Africa, must lead the way in transforming education.
He warned that without creativity and innovation, the country risked stagnation.
“The Stone Age didn’t end because that generation ran out of stones. It ended because new ideas developed. And it is these new ideas that we must plant within the education system,” he said.
Highlighting the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), Lesufi said that learners must be equipped to use the technology for meaningful purposes.
“We can’t allow these kids to use artificial intelligence for TikTok. We must allow it to be used for the economy and educational development,” he said.
He called for flexibility within government and the education system to integrate AI into classrooms, cautioning against delaying its adoption.
“It’s here, it’s real, it’s surrounding us. We can’t avoid it. But we can’t wait for the next 17 years and then scratch our heads to ask ‘how do we allow artificial intelligence?’”
He painted a scenario of classrooms where technology and data drive learning, rather than outdated struggles over basic infrastructure.
“These children must not fight for water and electricity. These children must not fight for better sewerage in our schooling system. That’s old. These children must fight for data and free Wi-Fi in our schools. That’s the future we need,” he said.
He urged industries such as MTN and other technology providers to partner with government in ensuring connectivity and digital access for learners.
“The industries that are in that sector must come on board and assist us to do this,” Lesufi added.
INSIDE EDUCATION