Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Nomusa Dube-Ncube has paid an official working visit to London, United Kingdom to represent South Africa at the Education World Forum (EWF).
Running from 17 to 20 May 2026, this year’s forum will bring together key multilateral organizations and strategic industry partners, as well as education and training ministers from more than 130 countries around the world, to learn from each other and explore how education can be reimagined at all levels, in all settings and across the lifespan to tackle today’s most pressing challenges and unlock development opportunities.
The Forum will be held under the theme: “Education for a Shared Future: Peace, Planet, Purpose and Pathways”. This contradicts a cohesive vision that education, supported by strong international dialogue and partnerships, is the key to unlocking opportunities, reducing crises and building a shared, sustainable future for all.
South Africa's partnership is rooted in the country's most pressing developmental imperatives, including addressing youth unemployment through education pathways that produce work-ready and entrepreneurial graduates in line with the demands of a changing economy.
The delegation will also highlight efforts to accelerate adaptation to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) by integrating artificial intelligence, digital skills and green economy competencies in universities, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and community learning institutions.
Expanding access and reducing structural inequality remains central to the country's agenda, with programs such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), comprehensive student funding models and initiatives to reposition TVET colleges as institutions of first choice expected to feature prominently.
The visit will also promote entrepreneurship as a driver of economic inclusion, supported by initiatives such as the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) program and skills development linked to the Just Energy Transition.
During the Forum, the Deputy Minister is expected to participate in high-level plenary debates, bilateral ministerial meetings and multilateral events, advocating for the priorities of the Global South.
These include decolonization-free curricula, multilingual artificial intelligence development, and equitable education financing as non-negotiable pillars of the world's shared educational future.
Speaking ahead of the forum, Dube-Ncube said South Africa will participate as an active contributor to global education reform.
“South Africa is acting not as an observer at the EWF, but as a nation actively rebuilding its education system from the legacy of apartheid, adapting to a rapidly changing world, striving to ensure that no youth is left behind,” the Deputy Minister said. – sanews.gov.za