The "Silent Revolution": President Ramaphosa Outlines a New Era for South African Education

President Cyril Ramaphosa during G20 Summit, Image: GCIS

President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the 2026 Basic Education Sector Lekgotla with a somber reflection on a national tragedy—the recent loss of 14 learners in a horrific transport accident. After a moment of silence, the President pivoted to a message of urgent transformation, framing education as the ultimate "engine of development" and a primary weapon against the cycle of poverty.

A Landmark Achievement: The Class of 2025

The President lauded the "Silent Revolution" occurring within the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. The Class of 2025 achieved a remarkable 88% pass rate, but the true success lay in the demographics of achievement:

• Social Justice in Action: Over 66% of Bachelor-degree passes came from no-fee schools.

• Access for the Vulnerable: 250,000 social grant recipients qualified for university entrance.

• Inclusivity: Learners with special education needs outperformed the national average, with a 90% pass rate.

  
  

  "This means we are making great advances in our struggle against poverty," the President stated. "Over 200,000 learners from the poorest households now have access to higher education and the possibilities it presents."

  
  

The Pivot to Foundational Learning

Despite the matric successes, the President issued a stern warning: the system cannot continue to play "catch-up." He identified Early Childhood Development (ECD) and foundational literacy (ages birth to nine) as the new "heartbeat" of the sector.

The President argued that the "tragic loss of human potential"—manifested in nearly 500,000 dropouts between Grade 1 and Grade 12—is often rooted in weak foundations in the early grades. To combat this, South Africa is joining the Head of State Network on Foundational Learning alongside BRICS partners Brazil and India.

Three Strategic Pillars for 2026 and Beyond

The President outlined three critical areas where the Department of Basic Education (DBE) must intensify its efforts:

1. Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education

By the end of 2025, nearly 12,000 schools had transitioned to Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education. The President reaffirmed this as a constitutional mandate, noting that learning in one's home language is the global gold standard for literacy and numeracy.

2. The Skills Revolution (Vocational Training)

Acknowledging a "slow pace of growth" in technical fields, the President called for a stronger focus on vocational and occupational streams. He urged the sector to align with the economy's needs to produce "capable and adaptable workers" for a rapidly changing global market.

3. Teacher Dignity and Support

Recognizing that a "competent teacher in front of every learner" is the cornerstone of quality, the President called for expanded professional development and better psychosocial support for educators facing evolving classroom challenges.

Call to Action: A Future-Ready System

In his closing remarks, President Ramaphosa emphasized that quality education is impossible without safe and healthy environments. He pledged continued support for the National School Nutrition Programme, which currently feeds nearly 10 million learners daily, ensuring that hunger does not compromise a child’s ability to concentrate.

The President concluded with a call for a "bold shift in approach," urging government, civil society, and the private sector to work as one to ensure that no child’s learning is compromised by their home situation or geographic location.