Edwin Naidu
THE National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) stands as the gold standard in public-private partnerships. It is our lodestar.
This was the message from Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, MP, at the NECT 10th Anniversary National Convention held at Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg earlier on Monday.
Motshekga delivered the opening address at the event celebrating a decade of collaboration between the Basic Education sector and big business spearheaded by the Trust.
“Today stands as a testament to our collective resolve as we reflect on a decade of tangible progress, steered by this year’s theme: “Reflections on Collaboration to Enhance Education Reform Efforts in South Africa.
“As we reflect upon a decade of relentless effort and collaboration, it becomes evident that our journey has been marked by remarkable partnerships between the Basic Education Department and the private sector,” Motshekga said.
Sizwe Nxasana, the Chairman of the NECT Board and Trustees, Godwin Khosa: NECT CEO and Senior Management, organised labour and business partners, and guests, listened as the Minister reminded them how NECT has been a crucible of innovation, a platform where ideas transform into reality and visions materialised into tangible outcomes.
“It has fostered environments where educational frameworks are not just conceived but are implemented with a rare synergy. The celebration today is not just a testament to our past achievements but a firm step into a future that holds unlimited potential.”
According to Motshekga, such collaborations have led to an influx of resources and expertise and fostered environments replete with innovation and efficiency, marking a confluence of the government’s foresight and the private sector’s agility a lived reality.
She said the journey began with a vision to foster a society where collaboration forms the cornerstone of educational reform, and education foregrounds all societal endeavours, whether they are strategies to achieve faster economic growth, combat poverty, or address inequality.
This, she added, was a vision of a society where every stakeholder, from provincial departments or national to civil society, united to nurture the infinite potential residing in our young people.
“Over these ten remarkable years, we have stood shoulder to shoulder, fostering basic education partnerships and showcasing the transformative power of collective effort,” Motshekga said.
Motshekga credited these collaborative efforts for helping to enhance the curriculum, focusing on marrying tradition with innovation, and grounding learning in the rich cultural tapestry while integrating global perspectives to foster a holistic educational experience.
“Moreover, the inception of meticulous national reading plans is a testimony to our determined stride toward literacy excellence.
Implemented across various educational districts, these plans are tailored to nurture the innate curiosity of our learners, guiding them progressively towards literacy proficiency,” she added.
Furthermore, Motshekga said that the collaboration between the government and the private sector in education reforms has translated into a harmonised endeavour, improving the physical facilities in educational institutions, enhancing curriculum delivery, and fostering environments conducive to teaching and learning, among other initiatives.
“As we move forward, we must acknowledge the diverse target market of practitioners ranging from mid-to-senior management and executives across the government, unions, private sectors, civil societies, and academia who have been the pillars supporting this monumental national endeavour.
Your efforts have empowered us to reach this pinnacle: 10 years of systems improvements, 10 years of scientific interventions, and 10 years of remarkable progress. Truly a decade of educational excellence,” she said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
