Hosted by Inside Education under the theme “Fixing the Education Pipeline: From Early Childhood to Transformative Livelihoods,” the National Education Summit 2026 brought together policymakers, educators, industry leaders and innovators to explore practical solutions for rebuilding and transforming South Africa’s education system.
In his address, minister of higher education and training Buti Manamela emphasised that South Africa’s education system should be understood not as a collection of separate institutions, but as a continuous pipeline.
He explained that the pipeline begins in childhood, flows through formal schooling, and is meant to culminate in meaningful livelihoods. However, he pointed out that the system is currently under strain due to critical “leaks” at key stages.
According to him, the leaks appear in the early years of development, in the way young people are prepared (or not prepared) to create opportunities for themselves, and in the weak connection between education and the world of work.
“There are not enough jobs to absorb young people, so we must build a system that does not only prepare job-seekers, but produces job creators. Across our TVET colleges, we are already shifting in this direction. All 50 public TVET colleges now offer entrepreneurship programmes.”
Additionally, over 47 000 students participated in these programmes in 2024. “The National Skills Fund is investing in youth enterprises in the digital and green economy. But entrepreneurship is not simply about teaching business skills. It is about building a capability of mindset and a confidence to act,” he added.
Manamela stated that the department’s objectives are well-defined: 37 000 artisan registrations are anticipated this year, 29 000 artisans are expected to qualify annually within the next two years, and over 200 000 work-based learning opportunities will be created.
Furthermore, the department is shifting its focus towards programmes that demonstrate tangible results, characterised by higher completion rates, stronger alignment with industry, and more effective transition of graduates into the workforce.
Discussions at the National Education Summit 2026 (20/4), hosted in Sandton, Johannesburg, focused on three key pillars identified as critical to systemic reform, including early childhood development, entrepreneurship education and vocational pathways.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
