Department of Basic Education (DBE)
National Department · Social Services
The Department of Basic Education is responsible for schooling from Grade R to Grade 12, together with adult literacy programmes. It was created in 2009 when the former Department of Education was divided into separate basic and higher education portfolios.
Basic education is a concurrent function. The national department sets curriculum, assessment policy and national norms and standards, while the nine provincial education departments run schools, employ teachers and manage district offices. Its programmes include the National Senior Certificate examinations, the National School Nutrition Programme, early childhood development and school infrastructure.
Umalusi, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, and the South African Council for Educators both report to it.
Audit record, 5 years
Leadership, 18 listed
- Minister
- Ms Siviwe Gwarube
- Deputy Minister
- Dr Makgabo Reginah Mhaule
- Director General
- Mr Hubert Mathanzima Mweli
- Chief of Staff
- Mr Paul Sehlabelo
- Chief Financial Officer
- Mr Patrick Khunou
- Deputy Directors General
- Ms Simone Geyer Mr Patrick Khunou Dr Barney Mthembu Mr Paddy Padayachee Dr Granville Whittle
- Senior Management
- Dr Faith Kumalo Ms Mataole Ramohapi
- Communications Officers
- Adv Ntini Mashigo Mr Elijah Mhlanga Lukhanyo Vangqa
- Secretaries
- Ms Nomathemba Maake Mr Steve Mabua Ms Zubeida Sattar
Entities reporting to this one, 3
Description written for this directory from the entity’s own published sources: www.education.gov.za, www.gov.za