As we reflect on the first 100 days of the government of national unity (GNU), we must cut through both the euphoria of a new multiparty government and the pessimism associated with this complex arrangement.
The reality is that 10 different political parties with different ideological leanings in one government was always going to be a journey of highs and lows.
South Africa’s first taste of a GNU was under different circumstances. It was a unity project designed to signal to the country and world that a peaceful transition into democracy was possible.
This GNU, however, is born out of a different necessity: it reflects the will of South Africans who gave no single party a majority to govern nationally.
Inevitably, policy differences between the GNU parties will need to be dealt with through robust negotiation. Hopefully, economically sound and people-centric policies will prevail. For the first time in our democracy, no law or policy will ever be a foregone conclusion.
An example of this played itself out during the week that the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (Bela) was signed into law by the president. Parties within one government but with different views on Bela had to tussle it out.
The matter played itself out publicly and raised doubts about the stability of the GNU. However, despite the political noise, a temporary reprieve was achieved that allows for further consultation between the GNU parties on certain parts of the act.
Importantly, a technical resolution committee has since been formed to address policy differences.
Reflecting on my brief time as the minister of basic education, the past three-and-a-half months have reaffirmed my commitment to ensure all learners receive a quality education.
While South Africa has managed to achieve comprehensive access to basic education over the past 30 years, comprehensive access to quality education has not yet been achieved.
While we reflect on the progress made, we must recognise the complexities of driving sustained systemic improvements to our basic education system. To truly improve education outcomes, will not take 100 days. It requires sustained efforts over years.
When I took office, I made it clear I will not implement policies without evidence of their value and impact, especially under our tough fiscal conditions.
Over the past months, I have been dealing with the Bela act. In addition to engaging with the president on concerns relating to the act before its being signed into law, I have been working with my department to ensure we are ready to support its implementation
In line with this commitment and after due diligence, I instructed my department to cancel the R130bn tender that would have centralised management of the national school nutrition programme in a single service provider for at least a decade.
This was not the best solution for provincial challenges faced by a programme that for many learners is their only source of nutrition during the school day. We will now work to address shortcomings in the provincial rollout of the programme.
Turning around a basic education system requires collaboration among all key stakeholders. I have engaged with MECs for education and their departments in seven provinces and met with all teacher unions and governing body associations.
I have also convened several council of education ministers’ meetings to address various critical issues, including the impact of the 2025/26 budget cuts.
The reality is that our provinces will in the next two to three years face difficulties in funding posts and programmes.
I will therefore continue to engage with all MECs and the minister of finance to find ways to unlock funding required.
For more learners to progress through our system with a quality matric, we must equip them with skills required to be literate and numerate, particularly in the foundation phase.
I have therefore engaged with all 75 district directors to discuss what steps must be taken to drive improvements in literacy and numeracy across all phases.
Of the key issues still ahead in 2024, the National Senior Certificate examinations are by far the most important for my department. I have taken steps to ensure the readiness of our education system for this huge undertaking.
Over the past months, I have been dealing with the Bela act. In addition to engaging with the president on concerns relating to the act before its being signed into law, I have been working with my department to ensure we are ready to support its implementation.
We will be guided by the outcome of the ongoing GNU consultations on the provisions of the act concerning school admission and language policies.
I have stressed the importance of improving the safety and quality of schooling environments. I have engaged with all provinces to ensure all 241 identified basic pit latrine toilets are replaced with adequate sanitation facilities by the end of March 2025.
The challenges in the basic education sector are immense. However, they are not insurmountable if we consistently pursue sustained efforts to strengthen systems.
• Gwarube is minister of basic education.
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