WATCH: Ramaphosa's remark about closing schools for 2 years
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently made a startling remark about closing schools to reform the education system.
In a surprising statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa suggested that schools should have been closed for two years to reform the education system and retrain educators.
This remark was made during the Bana Pele Early Childhood Development Summit on March 17, 2025, in Johannesburg.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that mistakes had been made in early childhood development and emphasised the importance of universal access to quality early learning.
He stated that this would reduce poverty, improve educational outcomes and lower costs in healthcare, social services, and crime prevention.
The president's proposal to close schools for two years was met with frustration and criticism from South Africans on social media. Many expressed concerns about the potential consequences of such a drastic measure.
In contrast, Ramaphosa highlighted the benefits of investing in early childhood development, citing studies that show every rand spent on ECD can save up to R7 billion in future costs.
He emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to early childhood care and education, ensuring children receive proper nutrition, healthcare and a safe environment.
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Ramaphosa concluded by emphasising the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to improve access to quality early childhood education.
The summit aimed to explore new public-private partnerships, share innovative solutions and enhance community-based initiatives.
While Ramaphosa's remark sparked controversy, it also underscored the need for urgent attention to South Africa's education system.
As the country continues to navigate its educational challenges, it remains to be seen how the president's proposal will be received and implemented.
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