The interruption of schooling as a result of the pandemic, and partial transition to home and online learning, has had social and pedagogical implications, while raising important political debates about the government’s response. It has also thrown into stark relief the pervasive inequalities in South Africa’s education system; the differentiation of public and private schools; and the apparent depth of our digital divide.

The roundtable will discuss the way forward for basic education during Covid-19 and beyond, examining the challenges, possibilities and future for basic education in the context of the pandemic, and the ways in which teachers, learners, families and the state might best respond.

Presentations will be given by the following panellists:

• Professor Nicky Roberts, Associate Professor in Mathematics Education, Centre for Education Practice Research (CEPR), University of Johannesburg.
• Dr Lindiwe Tshuma, Teaching and Learning Advisor, University of the Witwatersrand, and Research Fellow, Curriculum Studies, University of Stellenbosch.
• Dr Michael Gastrow: Chief Research Specialist, Education and Skills Development, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).
• Dr Logan Govender, Senior Lecturer, Ali Mazrui Centre for Higher Education Studies, University of Johannesburg, and education policy and development specialist.

Join the panel as they discuss the way forward for basic education during Covid-19 and beyond, examining the challenges, possibilities and future for basic education in the context of the pandemic, and the ways in which teachers, learners, families and the state might best respond.

Read the event report here