National Education Collaboration Trust

The National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education and key education stakeholders, participated in the two-day Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Conditional Grant Inter-Provincial Seminar. The seminar provided an important platform for Provincial Education Departments, MST Directors and Coordinators, and strategic partners to reflect on implementation progress, share best practices, and strengthen the delivery of MST education across all nine provinces.

Day 2 extended these engagements beyond the seminar venue and into schools, offering delegates the opportunity to observe firsthand the impact of MST interventions at school level. Through meaningful discussions and school visits, participants exchanged insights on effective resource utilisation, learner support, educator development, community involvement, and innovative approaches that contribute to improved learning outcomes.

The seminar reaffirmed a collective commitment to advancing quality Mathematics, Science and Technology education and equipping learners with the skills and competencies needed to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future growth and development.

The 5th HRDC Summit Extended Commission meeting took place on 03 - 04 June.

Today, our CEO, Dr Godwin Khosa, facilitated Commission 1: Building Foundations for Learning, aligned to Goal 1 of the Human Resource Development (HRD) Strategy and the Medium-Term Strategic Plan (MSP).

The Extended Commissions provided a platform for robust dialogue on governance, resource allocation, and strategic priorities that support the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Reconceptualised HRD Strategy.
Key participants included Mr Maliviwe Lumka – Head of Secretariat, Department of Basic Education, Social Partners, and Teacher Unions.

These important engagements are aimed at strengthening implementation, fostering collaboration, and improving outcomes across South Africa’s human resource development sector.

This week, the NECT and the Eastern Cape Department of Education hosted Circuit Managers Training sessions in Umtata (25–26 May) and Ku Gompo (27–28 May) under the theme: “Driving Implementation for Excellent and Improved Learning Outcomes.”

The training focused on strengthening the role of Circuit Managers as instructional leaders and change agents to support improved curriculum delivery, school functionality, and learner performance in Mathematics and Reading.

Key areas covered included instructional leadership, curriculum and learner performance analysis, literacy and numeracy challenges, implementation planning, accountability, and targeted school support strategies.

The programme aimed to equip Circuit Managers with practical tools to drive continuous improvement, strengthen teacher support, and improve learning outcomes across schools in the province.

The National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, successfully hosted the Harry Gwala District Community Dialogue on 13 May 2026.

Held under the theme, “Strengthening Foundations in Mathematics and Languages through Home Language to Improve Mathematics Intake at a Higher Level,” the dialogue provided a valuable platform for education stakeholders to engage on practical strategies aimed at improving learner performance and strengthening foundational learning for long-term academic success.

Through collaboration and meaningful engagement, we continue to advance quality education and create better learning outcomes for all learners.

Today, we proudly commemorate Freedom Day,a powerful reminder of our nation’s journey toward democracy, unity, and equality.

At NECT, we honor the sacrifices made for our freedom and remain committed to empowering communities through education, innovation, and opportunity. As we reflect on how far we’ve come, we are inspired to continue building a future rooted in dignity, inclusivity, and progress for all.

Happy Freedom Day, South Africa. 🇿🇦

The Ubuntu Leaders Youth Programme, held from April 14 to 18 in Limpopo Province in collaboration with the Limpopo Department of Education, successfully achieved its key objectives.

The programme provided comprehensive training to youth leaders and delivered essential support aimed at promoting safe, inclusive, and nurturing school environments.

These efforts are crucial in fostering non-violent, supportive spaces where all children and young people can thrive.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all participants and partners whose contributions were instrumental in making this impactful initiative a success.

The National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) participated in the 5th Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) Summit, alongside key stakeholders committed to advancing South Africa’s human capital development agenda.

NECT CEO Dr. Godwin Khosa joined sector leaders Mr Mahlubi “Chief” Mabizela (Universities South Africa), and Dr. Botshabelo Maja (National School of Government) in contributing to the national dialogue.

Convened under the theme “Living and Working in a Changing World”, the summit underscored a critical inflection point for the country - one where education, skills development, and state capability must converge to respond to a rapidly evolving global context.

The discussions reaffirmed a shared national priority: that human resource development is foundational to inclusive growth, social justice, and long-term economic resilience.

Three priorities emerged as central to driving systemic transformation:

• Building strong foundations for learning

• Developing skills for a transformed economy and society

• Strengthening a capable and developmental state

These priorities speak directly to the core of NECT’s work. Our focus on systemic implementation support is centred on closing the gap between policy intent and tangible outcomes — ensuring that collaboration across government, business, labour, and civil society translates into measurable impact.

As the sector moves forward, the emphasis must remain on sustained coordinated implementation, translating dialogue into delivery, and strategy into meaningful change within classrooms, districts, and communities.

The provincial engagement roadshows on Learning Gaps continued on the 14th of April as the NECT engaged stakeholders at eMakhezeni Boarding School, Mpumalanga - taking the conversation on strengthening foundational learning closer to schools and communities. Exploring practical solutions aimed at strengthening the quality of education and building stronger literacy and numeracy outcomes.