Durban ICC, 26 June 2025 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli joined global leaders, education experts, and multilateral partners at a high-level seminar hosted by the G20 Education Working Group, in collaboration with the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI), under the theme:
“Advancing Gender Transformative Education for All.”
The seminar serves as a strategic build-up to the 3rd Meeting of the G20 Education Working Group, scheduled to take place from 02–03 July 2025. This engagement aims to shape global policy direction around inclusive and equitable education systems that support sustainable development and social justice.
Delivering his address, Premier Ntuli reaffirmed KwaZulu-Natal’s commitment to building an education system that is inclusive, empowering, and transformative—particularly for girls and young women, who continue to face structural and systemic barriers to full participation in learning.
“Education is not just a pathway to opportunity—it is a human right. We must build systems that challenge gender inequality, dismantle harmful norms, and create environments where every learner can thrive regardless of gender,” said Premier Ntuli.
He emphasised that education transformation must go beyond access, focusing instead on empowerment, equity, and agency, especially for marginalised learners in rural and under-resourced communities.
The seminar explored global best practices, policy interventions, and frameworks aimed at advancing gender-transformative education—approaches that not only address gender disparities in enrolment but also promote gender equality in curricula, leadership, teaching practices, and school governance.
Premier Ntuli highlighted provincial initiatives aligned with this agenda, including the mainstreaming of gender-sensitive pedagogy in public schools; expanded access to STEM education for girls; the rollout of school-based menstrual hygiene support in partnership with civil society; and efforts to promote inclusive education for learners with disabilities and special needs.
Premier Ntuli underscored that gender equality in education is essential for sustainable development, economic inclusion, and breaking cycles of poverty.
“We cannot speak of transformation if half of our population is still excluded from full and equal participation in the education system. Empowering girls today means building stronger, more resilient communities tomorrow,” he said.
He welcomed the platform offered by the G20 and UNGEI, noting that KwaZulu-Natal is ready to collaborate with national and global partners to build learning systems that are safe, inclusive, and responsive to the lived realities of learners.
The Premier’s participation aligns with South Africa’s broader commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 and SDG 5), as well as the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) and the Gender-Responsive Pedagogy Framework adopted by the Department of Basic Education.
KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial strategies on equitable education, youth empowerment, and social transformation continue to reflect these global and regional aspirations.
Premier Ntuli concluded his address by urging all education stakeholders to be intentional in their commitment to change.
“Let us not be passive participants in this conversation. Let us lead boldly, act decisively, and ensure that every child—especially every girl—has the tools, confidence, and opportunity to shape her own future.”
KwaZulu-Natal stands proudly on the global stage, not just as a participant in the G20 conversation, but as a province determined to drive real and lasting change in the lives of learners across communities.