The education system of a country needs to reflect the vision a country. What young people get taught must be in line with what the country needs, and what will make a country competitive.

A little over two years ago, the ideas I'm about to share were first delivered as a keynote address. That speech has since been adapted into this blog post, where I spoke to the great challenge of our time: a vision deficit. I argued that our nation needed to shift from a past-driven mentality to a future-focused one, guided by purpose and intention.

Today, I write this not just with a sense of relief, but with genuine excitement and gratitude. Finally, we have a leader who shares this sentiment.

The news of Minister Buti Manamela’s sweeping reforms for the post-school education and training (PSET) sector is the change in approach we have been waiting for. It is a moment of profound significance, as it demonstrates a leader's willingness to shift from the status quo and imbue a renewed sense of purpose and vision into a critical sector. The plan's commitment to re-engineer the system, not just tweak it, shows a courageous intention to do good and build a better future for our youth.

From a Job to a Career: A Fundamental Shift

When I first spoke about this, I argued that we must move away from a "job" mentality to a "career" mentality, driven by passion and long-term purpose. The comedic genius of Chris Rock once summed it up perfectly: "You got a job, you get up and go to work. You got a career, you get up and go somewhere." He wasn't just being funny; he was highlighting a profound truth. A job is a transactional relationship: you show up, do the work, and get paid. It's often defined by the clock, the paycheck, and the tasks you're given. A career, on the other hand, is a journey of growth, passion, and purpose. It's about building, learning, and contributing to something bigger than yourself.

It is incredibly heartening to see a government leader articulating this very need. Manamela's plan to rebalance the system is the kind of relevant, intentional action that is geared to achieve a vision of a capable and employed citizenry.

The Blueprint for Change: Manamela's Plan and Priorities

So, what exactly does this fundamental shift entail? The Minister’s plan, a blueprint for our nation’s new career, is built on a clear set of strategic priorities and pillars designed to move the education system from a fragmented "job" to a cohesive "career." The plan is guided by six core objectives:

• A Unified System: Creating a single, coordinated PSET system.

• Equitable Access: Expanding access to learning opportunities for all.

• Economic Alignment: Aligning skills development with the needs of the economy and labor market, with a focus on future industries.

• Quality and Outcomes: Improving the quality of education and learning outcomes across the board.

• Strengthened Governance: Enhancing accountability and efficiency in the system.

• Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term viability of the system through stable funding.

These objectives are supported by five strategic pillars that lay the foundation for this transformation:

• Economic Renewal and Jobs: Reskilling and upskilling for economic growth.

• A Green Just Transition: Preparing our workforce for a sustainable, low-carbon future.

• Strengthening Public Sector Capacity: Building a more capable and efficient civil service.

• Intellectual Sovereignty: Cultivating local knowledge and research.

• Social Inclusion: Ensuring no one is left behind in the pursuit of education and skills.

This is not just a plan; it’s a blueprint for a career, not a job, for South Africa.

A Complete Alignment of Purpose

This bold vision also finds a complete alignment with the core values of the Thinkerneur movement. We have always championed the idea of collective action for sustainable impact, where success is not just measured by profit, but by a force for good. The Minister’’s call for a "broad national compact" that involves all sectors of society—business, labor, civil society, and communities—is a complete validation of this belief. It is a powerful acknowledgment that the work of building a sustainable, mindful future cannot be done in isolation.

Hope and a Path Forward

As an active citizen who believes in this mission, I am already doing my part to contribute to this national career—speaking to students and educational institutions to inspire this very change. I have always held the hope of one day working with the department and Minister to help build this new future. Until that day comes, I am filled with a sense of renewed hope and confidence. The Minister's strategic priorities and pillars show that this is not just an education plan, but a foundation for a stronger, more purposeful South Africa. The journey ahead will be long, but with this kind of intent, vision, and strategic direction, the future looks brighter than ever.

I’ve always argued, including recently; that it doesn’t make sense for children to go to school for twelve years and leave with no ability to create value in the form of being employable nor create employment. Our basic education needs a systemic overall to ensure that twelve years of learning leaves an impactful impression that leaves matriculants with relevant skills and knowledge to be valuable contributors to society. What are we teaching children for twelve years that renders them futile to the economy? Something is broken or outdated; and it isn’t working.

Mr. Manamela has already demonstrated systemic thinking in his approach; what is now needed, is a Basic Education department that will support him

No single systemic issue can be solved in isolation, and I am pleased that our new Higher Education Minister's strategic thinking demonstrates this fact. What is needed is a Basic Education department that will support him.

Whilst I am in complete agreement with the plan; true to any systemic challenge, required is a systemic solution. This comprehensive vision by Minister Manamela is a coordinated and intentionally collaborative effort between Higher Education and Basic Education. If we are going to solve the educational crisis in South Africa, we must attack and act on all fronts.

As per the question above: Why is it that a student goes from foundation phase, to primary school, and high school, but leaves with no transferable skills that could contribute to the economy? After twelve years of school, they are unprepared, requiring further education (which is understandable to a degree), but there are no guarantees of employment post-graduation. How does this make sense to anyone?

What do we need to fix that is broken in basic education? What strategic priorities do we need to align to Mr Manamela’s vision? What pillars of strategy must be put in place to ensure that the post-school education and training (PSET) plan is enhanced and not hindered?

Whilst we ponder on the above; we must celebrate and laud Mr Manamela’s intention and vision.

Original article, click here.