Pretoria: Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has officially announced the appointment of members to the National Education and Training Council (NETC), marking a significant step in shaping the future of South Africa’s basic education system. Speaking at the announcement briefing in Pretoria, the Minister stated that her ministry has operationalised the National Education and Training Council for the first time, a step taken with the support of Cabinet.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Council, which was first established in terms of the National Education Policy Act of 1996 and its regulations promulgated in 2009, is being activated for the first time. It will serve as an independent advisory body to the Minister on key education policies and reforms, provide inputs on draft national education policy, and report annually to the Minister on its activities.
Gwarube explained that just 12 days after her appointment as Minister, she addressed Parliament and committed to operationalise the National Education and Training Council to provide expert advice on education policies and reforms in the country. “It has been a year of hard work and significant reorientation. I am pleased to inform South Africans that we have delivered on that promise. Today, the NETC will hold its inaugural meeting at the Department of Basic Education’s head office in Pretoria,” said Gwarube.
The new Council will be chaired by Ms Penelope Vinjevold, with members drawn from across academia, civil society, and education management. The members include Mrs Khathutshelo Onica Dederen, Dr Xolani Khohliso, Ms Zanele Mabaso, Ms Madimetja Dina Mamashela, Prof Judith McKenzie, Prof Paulus Jacobus Mentz, Mr Lebogang Stephen Montjane, Ms Mmatsetsweu Ruby Motaung, Prof Nicolette Roberts, Ms Maite Getrude Rammala, Ms Marie-Louise Samuels, Dr Selvia Kista (Mona) Singh, Dr Glodean Qondile Tintswalo Thani, Ms Penelope Vinjevold (Chairperson), and Dr Gabrielle Wills.
According to the Minister, the NETC will provide expert advice on pressing issues such as the review of the school resourcing model, assessment and progression requirements, reducing administrative burdens on teachers, and strengthening foundational learning. Additionally, the Council’s advice must guide the transition from Early Childhood Care and Education into compulsory Grade R, and on progressively strengthening mother tongue instruction in the early grades.
“Without strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, other reforms cannot succeed. With them, every child has a pathway to learning, opportunity and dignity,” Gwarube emphasized. “These tasks are urgent, but they are also interconnected. Together, they represent the core of our mission: to inject quality, equity and resilience into South Africa’s basic education system.”
The Minister stressed that the Council will not replace statutory bodies like the Council of Education Ministers or Heads of Education Departments Committee but will serve as an evidence-led advisory structure to supplement their work. She added that it is not a decision-making body and that its role is advisory.
In closing, the Minister extended her gratitude to the members of the NETC for their willingness to contribute their expertise and time to this important work. She urged them to approach this responsibility with courage, creativity, and humility, knowing that millions of children depend on their collective choices.
The Minister said the Council’s work officially starts today, bringing with it the responsibility to guarantee that every child in every classroom across all provinces not only has a place in school but also a real opportunity to thrive.