Picture: Supplied
As South Africa marks Women’s Month, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube reflects on the journey that took her from a rural village in the Eastern Cape to becoming the country’s youngest Cabinet minister.
Nearly two years into leading the Department of Basic Education, she remains focused on one goal: ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of where they are born.
Also see: Girly girl self-love and the rise of feminine power
Her story is one of resilience, purpose and the transformative power of education. It is also a reminder that leadership is less about personal ambition and more about creating opportunities for others.
Education as a pathway to opportunity
Master of Development Policy and Practice in the bag 💼
I started this degree at the beginning of 2024. At the time I was the Chief Whip of the Official Opposition- @Our_DA. I knew it would be difficult to balance the academic demands; my job as a parliamentarian – during an… pic.twitter.com/gQ6wPPzdGO
— Siviwe Gwarube (@Siviwe_G) April 1, 2026
Growing up in KwaMdingi in the Eastern Cape, Gwarube witnessed first-hand how education could change the course of a family’s future. Raised by her grandmother, a teacher who believed deeply in the value of learning, she credits her upbringing with shaping both her outlook and career.
“I have no doubt in my mind that I would not be where I am today if it were not for the quality education that my grandmother worked incredibly hard to give me,” she says. “What a quality education was able to do for me is the reason why I believe deeply that every child, regardless of where they are born, deserves the same chance that I had to succeed.”
Those early lessons continue to guide her work as Minister, where improving foundational literacy and numeracy remains one of the department’s key priorities.
Finding purpose in public service
Although Gwarube never envisioned herself becoming a Cabinet Minister, she believes her career unfolded exactly as it was meant to. She originally imagined a future in the corporate world, but everything changed after becoming involved in student politics while studying at Rhodes University.
Today, she views public service as both a privilege and a responsibility.
Rather than focusing on titles, she says her role is ultimately about improving the lives of millions of South Africans through better educational opportunities.
Lessons from two years in office
Leading one of South Africa’s largest government departments has reinforced the importance of patience, accountability and collaboration.
“What has surprised me most is just how much hope South Africans place in their schools,” Gwarube explains. “Every community I visited had pride in their schools. They are viewed as a source of dignity, opportunity and the future of the community.”
She has also been inspired by teachers across the country who continue to educate children despite challenging circumstances.
Reflecting on leadership, she believes listening is just as important as making decisions.
“Leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about listening carefully, making difficult decisions and remaining accountable for them. Meaningful reform is not about confetti and cutting ribbons. Turning around South Africa’s education system requires patience, persistence and the ability to bring people together.”
Staying grounded through challenges
The responsibility of overseeing an education system serving approximately 13.7 million learners inevitably comes with moments of pressure.
Gwarube admits that self-doubt is something every leader experiences. During difficult moments, she reminds herself of the children whose futures depend on effective leadership.
Also see: Young minister of basic education set to redefine teaching and learning environments
She also relies heavily on a trusted team, believing that honest conversations and collective decision-making help navigate complex challenges. By keeping her focus on the broader mission rather than herself, she says difficult decisions become easier to manage.
The women who shaped her journey
Women’s Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the women who have influenced her life.
Six years ago today, My Love. ♥️
I’ll forever be grateful for you.
For your sense of humour.
For your love.
And your unwavering belief in me to do big and audacious things.Oh mama’m.
Rest, Wushekazi. Your work here is done. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/pceGjeJq2O
— Siviwe Gwarube (@Siviwe_G) July 12, 2026
Her grandmother remains her greatest inspiration, but Gwarube also acknowledges several women who have mentored her throughout her political career, including Lindiwe Mazibuko, Nomafrench Mbombo, Helen Zille and Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule.
Each, she says, has contributed different leadership lessons—from striving for excellence to thinking boldly and remaining grounded through faith.
She also draws inspiration from countless South African women who continue to break barriers across business, education, civil society and public service.
Why Women’s Month still matters
For Gwarube, Women’s Month extends beyond celebration. It is an opportunity to focus on expanding opportunities for the next generation of girls.
She believes education remains one of the most powerful tools for achieving gender equality, particularly as more girls are completing matric and increasingly outperforming boys in the National Senior Certificate examinations.
However, she believes more work is needed to encourage girls to pursue mathematics, science and technology-related subjects, opening doors to careers in high-demand industries.
Preparing girls for tomorrow’s economy
Looking ahead, Gwarube says South Africa’s education system must equip young women with more than academic knowledge.
Strong literacy, numeracy, digital skills and problem-solving abilities will be essential in an economy increasingly shaped by technology and innovation.
She also advocates for greater emphasis on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership and critical thinking, enabling young women to create opportunities for themselves rather than simply seeking employment.
Her vision is for every girl leaving school to believe that no career, profession or leadership position is beyond her reach.
Finding balance beyond politics
Away from the demands of public office, Gwarube enjoys spending time with family and close friends, long walks around Cape Town and preparing Sunday lunch.
These quiet moments provide space to reflect and recharge.
Interestingly, one of the activities that energises her most is visiting schools, where she finds inspiration in the optimism and curiosity of young learners.
A message to South Africa’s future leaders
For young girls growing up in villages, townships and underserved communities, Gwarube offers a message rooted in her own experience.
“Never allow the circumstances of your birth to determine your future. Your circumstances may shape your journey, but they do not define your potential nor your destination.”
Her own story illustrates that education can unlock opportunities once thought impossible. As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, her message is both hopeful and practical: dream boldly, work hard and never underestimate the power of learning to transform lives—not only for individuals, but for entire communities.
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