Justice is the foundation of reform in the education system – and this reform should start at the foundation phase.

          This is the key takeaway from keynote addresses by the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, and former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, both speakers at the 29^th conference of the South African Education Law Association (SAELA).

          “Three FEDSAS managers serve on the executive committee of SAELA, and they made a significant contribution to organising and ensuring the high profile of the conference,” says Dr Jaco Deacon, CEO of FEDSAS (Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools). “We were also involved as facilitators of panel discussion and make presentations on a variety of topics, from the evolution of education law and regulations around cannabis use, to school governing bodies and employment practices.”

          Deacon says it is clear that both keynote speakers’ understanding of education extends beyond politics. Justice Zondo emphasized that communities should take ownership of public schools. “This principle forms the foundation of a lot of FEDSAS’s work. Transformation in education is not just about race. We should transform poor education into quality education, and absent communities into active communities.”

          Deacon says education role-players should take note of Justice Zondo’s reminder that basic education only adheres to the constitutional obligation if it is quality education. “The ‘basic’ refers to the level of education, not the quality. The same applies to education officials’ execution of their duties in this regard. Learning cannot take place in overcrowded classrooms in dilapidated school buildings.”

          Minister Gwarube added to Justice Zondo’s focus on justice as foundation for transformation in education in confirming that access to proper resources is a requirement for real reform. “FEDSAS welcomes the Minister’s strong focus on foundational learning. In this regard, we want to re-emphasize access to mother-tongue education in the early phases of education.”

          Deacon says his quarterly strategic session with Minister Gwarube also took place during the conference. This was followed by a meeting with key staff from her office. “These sessions always focus on the most urgent issues facing education. FEDSAS called for the process to reopen for further amendments to education laws and shared our serious concern about sufficient funding for education in 2026.” Deacon says FEDSAS fully supports the Minister’s efforts to secure direct commitments from Cabinet and the President to ensure that the education sector receives the backing it needs.

          FEDSAS also supports Minister Gwarube’s announcement of an expert advisory council – a group of independent specialists who will advise on education policy and legal reform, with a strong focus on foundational learning. “However, this council can only add value if credible, experienced voices are at the table, free from political interference.”

Photo: Dr Jaco Deacon, CEO of FEDSAS, and Ms Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, at the SAELA conference during which their quarterly strategic session also took place.