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Watch the conversation | The real world impact of systemic deficiencies in our public education system

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Watch the conversation | The real world impact of systemic deficiencies in our public education system

As we commemorate Human Rights Month, we reflected on the current state of public basic education in South Africa and the capacity of schools to provide quality basic education as guaranteed by section 29 of the Constitution. 

23 Mar 2026 42:57 Minutes Video

In this podcast Gift Nkosinathi Xaba, from the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, and Prof Tshepo Madlingozi, who is Commissioner for Education at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) unpack the following:

  • Zoom into and unpack the November 2025 SAHRC Schools Readiness Report and the current state of public basic education in South Africa; 
  • Assess the real-world impact of the systemic challenges in our public basic education system; and 
  • Explore pragmatic, rights-based solutions to address these systemic challenges that threaten not only the realisation of the constitutional right to quality basic education but also the future prospects of millions of young South Africans.

This sobering discussion encourages all of us to reflect on our roles as responsible citizenry and as custodians of the future of our nation. 

Commissioner Madlingozi is a leading and authoritative voice on human rights and transformative constitutionalism and is globally recognised for his academic expertise, prestige, and intellectual capacity.

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