Ekurhuleni: President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged educators across South Africa to enhance their efforts in boosting early childhood education, emphasizing the critical need to fortify foundational skills in reading and mathematics. The President’s call to action was delivered at the 2025 Basic Education Sector Lekgotla held at the OR Tambo Conference Centre.
According to South African Government News Agency, the President highlighted troubling statistics regarding literacy and numeracy, cautioning that neglecting these gaps could have substantial long-term consequences for students. He cited the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), which revealed that over 80% of South African Grade 4 learners cannot comprehend reading materials in any language, including their native tongues. Additionally, South Africa’s low ranking in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) underscored the urgent need for educational reforms.
President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of mastering basic reading and math skills at the foundational level, noting that such competencies set the tone for academic performance in later years. He affirmed that Early Childhood Development (ECD) education must be prioritized to address these deficiencies. The President also praised the achievements of the Class of 2024, viewing their success as a testament to the government’s commitment to developing the country’s youth and overcoming the apartheid legacy of poverty and inequality.
To tackle these challenges, the President welcomed the Department of Basic Education’s plans to review and realign the curriculum, focusing on teacher development and the Mother-Tongue Based Bilingual Education approach. He also underscored the need for inclusive education, advocating for better access to quality learning for children with disabilities.
President Ramaphosa warned that globalization, automation, and artificial intelligence are transforming the job market, necessitating an evolution in South Africa’s education system. He emphasized the importance of adapting to these changes to ensure that the education system remains relevant in a rapidly changing world. He noted that while technology plays a significant role, it should complement, not replace, human-led learning.
The President also called attention to the need for increased emphasis on vocational and technical education as viable alternatives to traditional academic pathways. Drawing inspiration from Germany’s workforce, where a significant percentage holds vocational qualifications, he urged stakeholders to address the bias against vocational education and promote it as an attractive option for all learners.
As the 2025 Basic Education Sector Lekgotla coincides with significant national and international milestones, President Ramaphosa highlighted the opportunity to advance a global education agenda. With South Africa chairing the G20, he noted the chance to advocate for inclusive and equitable education on a global scale under the theme of ‘solidarity, equality, and sustainability.’