Department of Basic Education South Africa

07/09/2026

⏰ EXTENDED DEADLINE ALERT!

Good news teachers! You now have until 9 September 2026, midnight to submit your entry.

This is your moment to introduce yourself, tell us why you deserve the spotlight, and present a National Teaching Awards category like it’s your stage.

Remember:
📤 Submit your video on the DBE website
📱 Post it on TikTok and Facebook, tagging the Department of Basic Education
#️⃣ Use
🔓 Keep your post public so we can see it

The stage is still waiting. Don’t let this second chance pass you by!

07/09/2026

⏰ EXTENDED DEADLINE ALERT!

Good new teachers — you now have until 9 September 2026, midnight to submit your entry.

This is your moment to introduce yourself, tell us why you deserve the spotlight, and present a National Teaching Awards category like it’s your stage.

Remember:
📤 Submit your video on the DBE website
📱 Post it on TikTok and Facebook, tagging the Department of Basic Education
#️⃣ Use
🔓 Keep your post public so we can see it

The stage is still waiting. Don’t let this second chance pass you by!

02/09/2026

What if your next classroom isn’t a classroom at all… but the big stage of the National Teaching Awards? 👀

The Department of Basic Education presents — your chance to step into the spotlight and co-host the 2026 National Teaching Awards alongside a seasoned broadcaster!

If you’ve been teaching for less than 2 years, this could be your moment. 🎬

📹 Record your 2-minute vertical video.
📲 Post it on TikTok or Facebook.
🏷️ Use and tag .

Your classroom. Your voice. Your stage. 🎤

Think you’ve got what it takes? Take the stage.

Ts and Cs apply: https://www.education.gov.za/Informationfor/Teachers/NationalTeachingAwards/TeacherTakeover.aspx

01/09/2026

30/08/2026

🚨 ATTENTION, NOVICE TEACHERS! 🚨

Got serious FOMO because you’re not part of the 2026 National Teaching Awards? 👀 Don’t stress — we’ve got the ultimate cheat code! 🔥

Here’s your chance to step into the spotlight 🎤✨ and experience the NTA celebrations first-hand!

Join a seasoned broadcaster as one of the official presenters at the National Teaching Awards Ceremony on 1 October 2026! 🤩🎉

Think you’ve got the energy, confidence and presenter vibes? It’s time to show us what you’ve got! 💫

🎥 Record a 2-minute audition video
📲 Submit it on our online platform
🔥 Publish it on TikTok and Facebook

Your Classroom. Your Story. Your Stage. 🎤

No more FOMO — this could be YOUR time to shine! 🌟

Ts&Cs Apply!

Visit our website for submission details: https://www.education.gov.za/Informationfor/Teachers/NationalTeachingAwards/TeacherTakeover.aspx

28/08/2026

Over the last three days, the Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with UNICEF South Africa, hosted the Early Childhood Development (ECD) National Parenting Support Programme Refresher Workshop at Emperors Palace.

The workshop strengthened parents’ and caregivers’ knowledge and skills to support children’s growth, learning, development and overall well-being. Participants explored key areas including children’s rights and responsibilities, healthy family relationships, positive discipline, loss and trauma, social and emotional development, physical development, play and creativity, brain development and language stimulation, inclusion and children with disabilities, and child safety and protection.

The refreshed programme content incorporated updated research, stakeholder inputs, South African policy frameworks and practical resources to strengthen implementation and support responsive caregiving during the critical early years.

The three-day engagement reinforced the importance of equipping parents, caregivers and ECD practitioners with practical knowledge and resources to create safe, inclusive, nurturing and stimulating environments where every child can learn, develop and reach their full potential.

12/08/2026

The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists KZN Central Regional Science Fair 2026 brought together young scientists who showcased scientific investigations, engineering solutions and innovative projects.

Through the Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Directorate, the Department of Basic Education supported the regional science fair, providing learners with an opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges while strengthening critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation skills.

DDG for Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring, Dr Barney Mthembu, engaged with learners, encouraging them to remain curious, pursue Mathematics, Science and Technology, and use their knowledge and skills to develop solutions that could contribute to South Africa’s future.

The fair also recognised outstanding learner achievements through Bronze and Silver Medals across a range of categories, celebrating the scientific inquiry, creativity and innovation demonstrated by young scientists.

11/08/2026

CALL FOR COMMENTS | The Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube MP, has published additional draft regulations and a related draft notice for public comment as part of the responsible implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act.

The relevant Government Gazette notices, available on https://bit.ly/3TNh80E, should be consulted for the complete draft texts, submission requirements and closing dates.

11/08/2026

Today, 11 August 2026, marked the first day of the Online Safety Integrated Programme: Western Cape Provincial Training Workshop, bringing together government departments, educators, partners and key stakeholders to strengthen efforts to protect children and young people both online and offline.

The day highlighted that learner safety extends beyond the school gates. Through collaborative discussions and interactive sessions, participants explored practical ways to address online harms, strengthen digital literacy and equip children, parents and educators with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate an increasingly connected world safely and responsibly.

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Solly Malatsi, emphasised the critical role of educators as nation builders and highlighted the shared responsibility of government, schools, parents, communities and technology platforms in protecting children from emerging digital risks.

The programme further featured sessions led by Ms Cekiso, Director for Child Protection; Mr Wedening from UNICEF; Ms Lekalakala from the Film and Publication Board; Ms Novukuza from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies; and Dr Karen Walstra from Google, covering child protection, online safety legislation, cybersecurity, digital footprints and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.

A key message emerging from the sessions was clear: technology should empower, not replace us. By working together to build digital literacy, critical thinking and responsible online behaviour, we can create safer digital spaces where children can learn, connect and participate with confidence.

Together, we can make online safety everyone’s responsibility.