EVENT PROGRAMME
DBE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT COLLOQUIUM 2026
in collaboration with VVOB education for development
DAY 1 - MON 14 SEP
09:00 - 10:50 SESSION 1
High Level Vision and Scene Setting
MODERATOR: Mr Tinti Rabotapi (DBE)
09:00 - 09:05
Welcome and Acknowledgements
Mr TE Rabotapi, Acting DDG: Teachers, Education Human Resources and Institutional Development (DBE)
09:05 - 09:20
DBE Director-General's Address
In the opening address of the Colloquium, the DBE Director-General calls for coherent, blended teacher development that improves classroom practice and learner outcomes.
Mr HM Mweli, Director-General (DBE)
09:20 - 09:40
Address from the AU Commission
African Union frameworks connect teacher standards, qualifications, professional growth, recognition and mobility across the teacher development continuum.
Mrs SN Ashipala, Head: Education Division (AU Commission)
09:40 - 10:00
Address from DHET
The Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education and Training need to align teacher preparation, work-integrated learning, funding and research with the needs of schools and diverse classrooms.
Prof T Lewin, Deputy Director-General: University Education (DHET)
10:00 - 10:20
Audience Reflections
A selection of questions posted on the Colloquium Digital Platform are answered by the moderator and presenters.
10:20 - 10:50
Tea and Networking Break
10:50 - 14:00 SESSION 2
Launch Of Strategic Teacher Development Programmes
MODERATOR: Ms Ella Mokgalane (SACE)
10:50 - 11:10
Online Teacher Development
The national Online Teacher Development Platform provides flexible learning, SACE CPTD links, community features and coordinated support for continuous professional development.
Dr A Nkosi, Acting Chief Director (DBE)
11:10 - 11:30
New Teacher Induction
A revised induction programme combining mentorship, peer support, practical tasks and flexible learning can help new teachers adjust to school and classroom work.
Ms LC Maje, Director: Initial Teacher Education (DBE)
11:30 - 12:00
Panel: OTDP and NTIP
Panelists discuss how the OTDP and NTIP can strengthen the teacher development continuum through accessible learning, mentoring and coordinated implementation.
CHAIR: Mr H Mahomed, Technical Assistant (ETDP SETA)
PANELISTS: Ms Y Lechaba (SACE), Prof L Rusznyak (Wits), Mr H Benson (VVOB), Dr A Nkosi (DBE)
12:00 - 13:00
Audience Reflections
A selection of questions posted on the Colloquium Digital Platform are answered by panelists and presenters.
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch and Networking Break
Lunch will be served in the Serengeti Lapa. Please return promptly so that Session 3 can start at 14:00.
14:00 - 15:30 SESSION 3
Perspectives On EdTech In Teacher Development
MODERATOR: Dr Wilfried Theunis (VVOB)
14:00 - 14:20
EdTech in Teacher Development
To extend teacher learning using technology, digital access needs to be paired with sound pedagogy, classroom practice, coaching, peer support and responsible AI use.
Prof M Metcalfe
14:20 - 14:40
Digital & Competency Learning
Competency-based learning, digital literacy and responsible AI can prepare teachers to use technology for curriculum goals and diverse learner needs.
Ms H Yoshimoto, Chief of Education (UNICEF)
14:40 - 15:00
Panel: EdTech Perspectives
Panelists discuss how sound pedagogy, equitable access, teacher support, classroom application and responsible use of digital tools are necessary for EdTech to be effective in teacher development.
CHAIR: Prof A Kanjee, Professor, Department of Primary Education (TUT)
PANELISTS: Dr R Somnath (SADTU), Ms H Hariram (NAPTOSA), Mr M Mabija (NATU), Prof V McKay (UNISA), Ms T Sophethe (SACE)
15:00 - 15:10
Audience Reflections
A selection of questions posted on the Colloquium Digital Platform are answered by panelists and presenters.
15:10 - 15:30
Tea and Networking Break
15:30 - 17:30 SESSION 4
Practice And Innovation Showcase
MODERATOR: Lieve Leroy (VVOB)
15:30 - 15:40
EGRI in isiZulu Home Language
KwaZulu-Natal is improving isiZulu reading from Grade R to Grade 3 by aligning EGRI, literacy resources, professional learning communities and system leadership.
CONVENOR: Mrs Z Shabalala, PC (VVOB), with Ms C Zakuza-Njakazi (KZNDOE)
15:40 - 15:50
Funda Udlale Nathi
Blended professional learning can help ECD practitioners use learning through play, digital resources and professional learning communities at scale.
CONVENOR: Ms C Snyman, Project Coordinator: Funda Udlale Nathi (VVOB), with Ms N Mkhize (KZNDOE), Ms S McGuigan (Ntataise)
15:50 - 16:00
Fundisa for Change (KIC 2.0)
Online learning, professional learning communities and classroom projects can help teachers embed climate change education in the curriculum and local contexts.
CONVENOR: Ms A Sithole, Project Coordinator: Keep it Cool Climate Change Education (VVOB), with Ms S Misser (F4C), Ms LM Visagie (GreenMatter)
16:00 - 16:10
Siyalingana: Gender Equality
The Siyalingana model combines community engagement, practitioner training and digital support to advance gender-transformative, inclusive early learning.
CONVENOR: Ms F Mpungu, Project Coordinator: Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa (VVOB), with Mr L Bottoman (DBE), Ms S Behrendt (Penreach)
16:10 - 16:20
Basic Education Employment
Partnerships, school-based training and mentoring enabled the Basic Education Employment Initiative to create jobs, support teaching and open routes into teacher education.
CONVENOR: Ms LC Maje, Director: Initial Teacher Education (DBE), with Ms J Olivier (BCL)
16:20 - 17:30
Showcase Bilateral Engagements
Opportunity to have direct engagements with showcase convenors at allocated stations.
DAY 2 - TUE 15 SEP
09:00 - 17:00 SESSION 5
Colloquium divides into 3 Commissions
COMMISSION 1
Improving Blended Continuing Professional Development
CHAIRPERSON: Mr Giles Gillett (NASCEE)FACILITATOR: Ms Hanne Huysmans (VVOB)RAPPORTEUR: Ms Tuzana Sophethe (SACE)
09:00 - 10:00
Setting The Challenge
09:00 - 09:15
VVOB Blended CPD Approach
Ms S Essop (VVOB)
09:15 - 09:30
Online Platform Updates
Mr S Mashaba (DBE)
09:30 - 09:45
CPTD Management System
Ms T Sophethe (SACE)
09:45 - 10:00
Saide RTIA PLC Research
Ms S Drew (Saide)
10:00 - 11:30
Root Cause Analysis
11:30 - 11:45
Tea Break
11:45 - 13:15
Solution Design Lab
13:15 - 14:00
Break for Lunch
14:00 - 15:00
Prioritisation Exercise
15:00 - 16:30
Action Planning Workshop
16:30 - 17:00
Commitment Session
COMMISSION 2
Early Career Teacher Support and Ethical Conduct
CHAIRPERSON: Prof Veronica McKay (UNISA)FACILITATOR: Ms Freda Walters (JET)RAPPORTEUR: Ms Lala Maje (DBE)
09:00 - 10:00
Setting The Challenge
09:00 - 09:10
SACE Professional Ethics
Ms Y Lechaba (SACE)
09:10 - 09:20
New Teacher Recruitment
Ms B Lukhele (JGF)
09:20 - 09:30
Teacher Demand Trends
Prof M Gustafsson (SU)
09:30 - 09:40
School-Based Teaching Practice
Ms LC Maje (DBE)
09:40 - 09:50
Early Career Teacher Support
Prof L Rusznyak (Wits)
09:50 - 10:00
Teacher Graduate Trends
Ms B Mathebula (DHET)
10:00 - 11:30
Root Cause Analysis
11:30 - 11:45
Tea Break
11:45 - 13:15
Solution Design Lab
13:15 - 14:00
Break for Lunch
14:00 - 15:00
Prioritisation Exercise
15:00 - 16:30
Action Planning Workshop
16:30 - 17:00
Commitment Session
COMMISSION 3
Policy Alignment, Research, and Monitoring & Evaluation
CHAIRPERSON: Dr Jenny Joshua (DBE)FACILITATOR: Dr James Keevy (JET)RAPPORTEUR: Mr Haroon Mahomed (ETDP SETA)
09:00 - 09:50
Setting The Challenge
09:00 - 09:10
Training to Transformation
Ms S Mohy-Ud-Din (VVOB)
09:10 - 09:20
SA-SAMS Update and Use
Ms A Suleman (DBE)
09:20 - 09:30
Monitoring Teacher Development
Mr M Mahlangu (DBE)
09:30 - 09:40
Teacher Development Policy
Mr H Mahomed (ETDP SETA)
09:40 - 09:50
DDD Teacher Data Utilisation
Mr V Huni (NLF)
10:00 - 11:30
Root Cause Analysis
11:30 - 11:45
Tea Break
11:45 - 13:15
Solution Design Lab
13:15 - 14:00
Break for Lunch
14:00 - 15:00
Prioritisation Exercise
15:00 - 16:30
Action Planning Workshop
16:30 - 17:00
Commitment Session
DAY 3 - WED 16 SEP
09:00 - 11:00 SESSION 6
Commission Report Backs and Call to Action
MODERATOR: Mr Phillip Tshabalala (DHET)
09:00 - 09:05
Opening and Welcome
Mr P Tshabalala, Chief Director: Teaching, Learning and Research Development (DHET)
09:05 - 09:25
Report Back: Commission 1
Coherent blended CPD should link accessible learning, classroom application, sustained support, integrated data and recognition of professional growth.
Ms T Sophethe, Manager (SACE)
09:25 - 09:45
Report Back: Commission 2
Recruitment, teaching practice, induction, ethics and continuing development need consistent mentoring, national guidance and interoperable workforce data.
Ms LC Maje, Director: Initial Teacher Education (DBE)
09:45 - 10:05
Report Back: Commission 3
Coordinated policy implementation requires aligned plans and budgets, updated quality criteria, interoperable data, shared monitoring and a research register.
Mr H Mahomed, Technical Assistant (ETDP SETA)
10:05 - 10:35
Audience Reflections
A selection of questions posted on the Colloquium Digital Platform are answered by moderator and rapporteurs.
10:25 - 10:35
Call to Action
The Call to Action sets five shared commitments: Flexible professional learning, a stronger development continuum, ethical practice, coordinated implementation and evidence-based accountability.
Ms C Weston, Chief Director: Education Human Resource Development (DBE)
10:35 - 10:45
DBE Deputy Minister's Address
The Deputy Minister calls for faster, more equitable professional learning, launches the CPTD Online Platform and urges coordinated support for teachers, including those in under-resourced schools.
Dr MR Mhaule, Deputy Minister (DBE)
10:45 - 10:55
SACE CEO's Address
In the closing address of the Colloquium, the SACE CEO unites the call for sustained collaboration, wider access to professional learning and implementation of the commission recommendations.
Ms ME Mokgalane, CEO (SACE)
10:55 - 11:00
Vote of Thanks & Appreciation
Mr H Benson, Strategic Education Advisor: Online and Blended Learning (VVOB)
DBE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT COLLOQUIUM 2026
in collaboration with VVOB education for development
EVENT PROGRAMME
DAY 1 - MON 14 SEP
09:00 - 10:50 SESSION 1
High Level Vision and Scene Setting
MODERATOR: Mr Tinti Rabotapi (DBE)
09:00 - 09:05
Welcome and Acknowledgements
Mr TE Rabotapi, Acting DDG: Teachers, Education Human Resources and Institutional Development (DBE)
09:05 - 09:20
DBE Director-General's Address
In the opening address of the Colloquium, the DBE Director-General calls for coherent, blended teacher development that improves classroom practice and learner outcomes.
Mr HM Mweli, Director-General (DBE)
09:20 - 09:40
Address from the AU Commission
African Union frameworks connect teacher standards, qualifications, professional growth, recognition and mobility across the teacher development continuum.
Mrs SN Ashipala, Head: Education Division (AU Commission)
09:40 - 10:00
Address from DHET
The Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education and Training need to align teacher preparation, work-integrated learning, funding and research with the needs of schools and diverse classrooms.
Prof T Lewin, Deputy Director-General: University Education (DHET)
10:00 - 10:20
Audience Reflections
A selection of questions posted on the Colloquium Digital Platform are answered by the moderator and presenters.
10:20 - 10:50
Tea and Networking Break
10:50 - 14:00 SESSION 2
Launch Of Strategic Teacher Development Programmes
MODERATOR: Ms Ella Mokgalane (SACE)
10:50 - 11:10
Online Teacher Development
The national Online Teacher Development Platform provides flexible learning, SACE CPTD links, community features and coordinated support for continuous professional development.
Dr A Nkosi, Acting Chief Director (DBE)
11:10 - 11:30
New Teacher Induction
A revised induction programme combining mentorship, peer support, practical tasks and flexible learning can help new teachers adjust to school and classroom work.
Ms LC Maje, Director: Initial Teacher Education (DBE)
11:30 - 12:00
Panel: OTDP and NTIP
Panelists discuss how the OTDP and NTIP can strengthen the teacher development continuum through accessible learning, mentoring and coordinated implementation.
CHAIR: Mr H Mahomed, Technical Assistant (ETDP SETA)
PANELISTS: Ms Y Lechaba (SACE), Prof L Rusznyak (Wits), Mr H Benson (VVOB), Dr A Nkosi (DBE)
12:00 - 13:00
Audience Reflections
A selection of questions posted on the Colloquium Digital Platform are answered by panelists and presenters.
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch and Networking Break
Lunch will be served in the Serengeti Lapa. Please return promptly so that Session 3 can start at 14:00.
14:00 - 15:30 SESSION 3
Perspectives On EdTech In Teacher Development
MODERATOR: Dr Wilfried Theunis (VVOB)
14:00 - 14:20
EdTech in Teacher Development
To extend teacher learning using technology, digital access needs to be paired with sound pedagogy, classroom practice, coaching, peer support and responsible AI use.
Prof M Metcalfe
14:20 - 14:40
Digital & Competency Learning
Competency-based learning, digital literacy and responsible AI can prepare teachers to use technology for curriculum goals and diverse learner needs.
Ms H Yoshimoto, Chief of Education (UNICEF)
14:40 - 15:00
Panel: EdTech Perspectives
Panelists discuss how sound pedagogy, equitable access, teacher support, classroom application and responsible use of digital tools are necessary for EdTech to be effective in teacher development.
CHAIR: Prof A Kanjee, Professor, Department of Primary Education (TUT)
PANELISTS: Dr R Somnath (SADTU), Ms H Hariram (NAPTOSA), Mr M Mabija (NATU), Prof V McKay (UNISA), Ms T Sophethe (SACE)
15:00 - 15:10
Audience Reflections
A selection of questions posted on the Colloquium Digital Platform are answered by panelists and presenters.
15:10 - 15:30
Tea and Networking Break
15:30 - 17:30 SESSION 4
Practice And Innovation Showcase
MODERATOR: Lieve Leroy (VVOB)
15:30 - 15:40
EGRI in isiZulu Home Language
KwaZulu-Natal is improving isiZulu reading from Grade R to Grade 3 by aligning EGRI, literacy resources, professional learning communities and system leadership.
CONVENOR: Mrs Z Shabalala, PC (VVOB), with Ms C Zakuza-Njakazi (KZNDOE)
15:40 - 15:50
Funda Udlale Nathi
Blended professional learning can help ECD practitioners use learning through play, digital resources and professional learning communities at scale.
CONVENOR: Ms C Snyman, Project Coordinator: Funda Udlale Nathi (VVOB), with Ms N Mkhize (KZNDOE), Ms S McGuigan (Ntataise)
15:50 - 16:00
Fundisa for Change (KIC 2.0)
Online learning, professional learning communities and classroom projects can help teachers embed climate change education in the curriculum and local contexts.
CONVENOR: Ms A Sithole, Project Coordinator: Keep it Cool Climate Change Education (VVOB), with Ms S Misser (F4C), Ms LM Visagie (GreenMatter)
16:00 - 16:10
Siyalingana: Gender Equality
The Siyalingana model combines community engagement, practitioner training and digital support to advance gender-transformative, inclusive early learning.
CONVENOR: Ms F Mpungu, Project Coordinator: Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa (VVOB), with Mr L Bottoman (DBE), Ms S Behrendt (Penreach)
16:10 - 16:20
Basic Education Employment
Partnerships, school-based training and mentoring enabled the Basic Education Employment Initiative to create jobs, support teaching and open routes into teacher education.
CONVENOR: Ms LC Maje, Director: Initial Teacher Education (DBE), with Ms J Olivier (BCL)
16:20 - 17:30
Showcase Bilateral Engagements
Opportunity to have direct engagements with showcase convenors at allocated stations.
DAY 2 - TUE 15 SEP
09:00 - 17:00 SESSION 5
Colloquium divides into 3 Commissions
COMMISSION 1
Improving Blended Continuing Professional Development
CHAIRPERSON: Mr Giles Gillett (NASCEE)FACILITATOR: Ms Hanne Huysmans (VVOB)RAPPORTEUR: Ms Tuzana Sophethe (SACE)
09:00 - 10:00
Setting The Challenge
09:00 - 09:15
VVOB Blended CPD Approach
Ms S Essop (VVOB)
09:15 - 09:30
Online Platform Updates
Mr S Mashaba (DBE)
09:30 - 09:45
CPTD Management System
Ms T Sophethe (SACE)
09:45 - 10:00
Saide RTIA PLC Research
Ms S Drew (Saide)
10:00 - 11:30
Root Cause Analysis
11:30 - 11:45
Tea Break
11:45 - 13:15
Solution Design Lab
13:15 - 14:00
Break for Lunch
14:00 - 15:00
Prioritisation Exercise
15:00 - 16:30
Action Planning Workshop
16:30 - 17:00
Commitment Session
COMMISSION 2
Early Career Teacher Support and Ethical Conduct
CHAIRPERSON: Prof Veronica McKay (UNISA)FACILITATOR: Ms Freda Walters (JET)RAPPORTEUR: Ms Lala Maje (DBE)
09:00 - 10:00
Setting The Challenge
09:00 - 09:10
SACE Professional Ethics
Ms Y Lechaba (SACE)
09:10 - 09:20
New Teacher Recruitment
Ms B Lukhele (JGF)
09:20 - 09:30
Teacher Demand Trends
Prof M Gustafsson (SU)
09:30 - 09:40
School-Based Teaching Practice
Ms LC Maje (DBE)
09:40 - 09:50
Early Career Teacher Support
Prof L Rusznyak (Wits)
09:50 - 10:00
Teacher Graduate Trends
Ms B Mathebula (DHET)
10:00 - 11:30
Root Cause Analysis
11:30 - 11:45
Tea Break
11:45 - 13:15
Solution Design Lab
13:15 - 14:00
Break for Lunch
14:00 - 15:00
Prioritisation Exercise
15:00 - 16:30
Action Planning Workshop
16:30 - 17:00
Commitment Session
COMMISSION 3
Policy Alignment, Research, and Monitoring & Evaluation
CHAIRPERSON: Dr Jenny Joshua (DBE)FACILITATOR: Dr James Keevy (JET)RAPPORTEUR: Mr Haroon Mahomed (ETDP SETA)
09:00 - 09:50
Setting The Challenge
09:00 - 09:10
Training to Transformation
Ms S Mohy-Ud-Din (VVOB)
09:10 - 09:20
SA-SAMS Update and Use
Ms A Suleman (DBE)
09:20 - 09:30
Monitoring Teacher Development
Mr M Mahlangu (DBE)
09:30 - 09:40
Teacher Development Policy
Mr H Mahomed (ETDP SETA)
09:40 - 09:50
DDD Teacher Data Utilisation
Mr V Huni (NLF)
10:00 - 11:30
Root Cause Analysis
11:30 - 11:45
Tea Break
11:45 - 13:15
Solution Design Lab
13:15 - 14:00
Break for Lunch
14:00 - 15:00
Prioritisation Exercise
15:00 - 16:30
Action Planning Workshop
16:30 - 17:00
Commitment Session
DAY 3 - WED 16 SEP
09:00 - 11:00 SESSION 6
Commission Report Backs and Call to Action
MODERATOR: Mr Phillip Tshabalala (DHET)
09:00 - 09:05
Opening and Welcome
Mr P Tshabalala, Chief Director: Teaching, Learning and Research Development (DHET)
09:05 - 09:25
Report Back: Commission 1
Coherent blended CPD should link accessible learning, classroom application, sustained support, integrated data and recognition of professional growth.
Ms T Sophethe, Manager (SACE)
09:25 - 09:45
Report Back: Commission 2
Recruitment, teaching practice, induction, ethics and continuing development need consistent mentoring, national guidance and interoperable workforce data.
Ms LC Maje, Director: Initial Teacher Education (DBE)
09:45 - 10:05
Report Back: Commission 3
Coordinated policy implementation requires aligned plans and budgets, updated quality criteria, interoperable data, shared monitoring and a research register.
Mr H Mahomed, Technical Assistant (ETDP SETA)
10:05 - 10:35
Audience Reflections
A selection of questions posted on the Colloquium Digital Platform are answered by moderator and rapporteurs.
10:25 - 10:35
Call to Action
The Call to Action sets five shared commitments: Flexible professional learning, a stronger development continuum, ethical practice, coordinated implementation and evidence-based accountability.
Ms C Weston, Chief Director: Education Human Resource Development (DBE)
10:35 - 10:45
DBE Deputy Minister's Address
The Deputy Minister calls for faster, more equitable professional learning, launches the CPTD Online Platform and urges coordinated support for teachers, including those in under-resourced schools.
Dr MR Mhaule, Deputy Minister (DBE)
10:45 - 10:55
SACE CEO's Address
In the closing address of the Colloquium, the SACE CEO unites the call for sustained collaboration, wider access to professional learning and implementation of the commission recommendations.
Ms ME Mokgalane, CEO (SACE)
10:55 - 11:00
Vote of Thanks & Appreciation
Mr H Benson, Strategic Education Advisor: Online and Blended Learning (VVOB)
