SANTS at SACE Colloquium 2025: Elevating Teacher Voices and Professionalism
From 26–27 May 2025, SANTS Private Higher Education Institution proudly participated in the SACE Two-Day Colloquium. A high-impact gathering hosted under the theme: “Valuing Teachers’ Voices – Towards a New Social Contract for Education.” The event brought together educators, policymakers, stakeholders, and institutions committed to enhancing the professional standing of South African teachers.
Representing SANTS: Academic Leadership and Graduate Success
Representing SANTS were Professor Ina Joubert, Executive Academic Director, and Dr Venise Joubert, along with two outstanding SANTS graduates — one from the Diploma in Grade R Teaching programme and the other from the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching. These graduates exemplify the high-quality teacher education SANTS provides and the real-world success of our alumni.
Why the Colloquium Matters: Teacher Voices at the Centre
The colloquium’s purpose, as stated by SACE CEO Ms Ella Mokgalane, was to recognise that teachers and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) are at the very heart of the education system. She noted:
“We are here to bring minds together, share ideas and best practices, and deal with pedagogical content knowledge (PCK).”
She highlighted the importance of raising awareness among teachers about their role as nation-builders and lifelong mentors. Advocating for increased research, innovation, and capacity-building in the teaching profession. A strong emphasis was placed on the professionalisation of educators. Particularly those teaching in Grade R and below — and the structural support needed for ongoing development.
Day two of the event celebrated Early Childhood Development (ECD). With a clear focus on foundational learning as a priority of South Africa’s 7th administration. Mokgalane emphasised that for real change to happen, there must be unified action:
“It is all for the children. We must ensure that we have qualified professionals who understand what it means to be regulated, and who are able to protect the interest and welfare of the children.”
The presence of the Deputy Director of Early Childhood Development from the Gauteng Department of Education further demonstrated the collaborative approach required to achieve lasting transformation.
SANTS’ active role in such platforms reinforces our commitment to ensuring the teacher’s voice is central in shaping policy, practice, and public trust in the profession. We remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that elevate the teaching career. From the classroom to the corridors of policymaking.
“It is all for the children.”
SANTS’ participation in forums like these reaffirms our commitment to policy engagement, sector transformation, and building a more equitable and professional teaching force in South Africa.
