Siviwe Gwarube is South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education and one of the country’s youngest-ever Cabinet members. A fierce advocate for gender equity, evidence-based policymaking, and the foundational right to education, she brings a new voice and vision to the continent’s education leadership. 

In this episode, Minister Gwarube reflects on her first year in office—what surprised her, what challenged her, and what guides her approach. She speaks candidly about the mental toll of public leadership, the power of authenticity, and why prioritising foundational learning is not just a pedagogical choice, but a political one. 

She lays out five pillars of her strategy: early childhood development, literacy, teacher training, infrastructure, and inclusion. From advocating for mother-tongue education to navigating South Africa’s political transition, this episode offers a powerful reflection on what it means to lead with purpose—and why the future of education starts with bold decisions today.