President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government is strongly dedicated to the funding of education. This is after fears that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education will remain a distant dream.
In 2015, the UN adopted a draft of goals among them – ensuring access to inclusive and equitable, quality education and promoting lifelong opportunities for all by 2023.
Speaking at the 10th Education International Africa Regional Conference underway in Sandton, north of Johannesburg, the President says for its part, South Africa is working hard to ensure universal access to education.
“We know that quality education is not just a matter of access. What is also needed are safe, conducive environments where the rights of all learners are respected and upheld. By improving access to education, we can alleviate poverty and empower marginalised communities, unlocking their potential and contributing to the development of nations,” explains Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa says the government has also been focusing on the decolonisation of education.
“ The project of decolonising education in Africa is not just a matter of academic interest, it is a pressing need. We must challenge colonial theories and practices to build resilient education systems that are centred on African perspectives and experiences.”
President Ramaphosa emphasises the importance of educators:
