Director-General Mweli attends Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge Summit in Sandton
The Department of Basic Education’s Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli, is currently attending the 2025 Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge (AGEC) Summit. This important event is taking place in Sandton, Gauteng, and aims to make entrepreneurial education stronger across South Africa, helping our young people develop key skills for their future.
Key details
- Event: The 2025 Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge (AGEC) Summit.
- Attendee: Mr Mathanzima Mweli, who is the Director-General for the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
- Location: Sandton, located in the Gauteng province of South Africa.
- Purpose: To improve and strengthen entrepreneurial education within South Africa‘s basic education system.
- Organiser/Partner: The Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge (AGEC), a programme focused on fostering entrepreneurial talent.
The department’s commitment to entrepreneurial education
The Department of Basic Education understands how vital it is for our students to learn about entrepreneurship. In today’s fast-changing world, having entrepreneurial skills means more than just starting a business; it also means being able to think creatively, solve problems, and adapt to new situations. These are all skills that help young people succeed in whatever path they choose, whether that is going to university, starting their own ventures, or finding employment.
Our participation in events like the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge Summit shows our commitment to making sure these skills are part of what our children learn at school. We believe that by working with partners like the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge, we can give students the tools and mindset they need to become innovators and job creators for our country. This work is about building a better future for all young South Africans and helping our economy grow. You can find out more about the department’s overall vision and activities by visiting our main website at www.education.gov.za/Home.aspx.
By focusing on entrepreneurial education, the DBE is helping to equip the next generation with the confidence and knowledge to tackle real-world challenges, fostering a spirit of innovation from an early age. This is crucial for addressing unemployment and encouraging economic development throughout the nation. For more news and updates on various departmental initiatives, including those related to entrepreneurial learning, you can visit schoolclick.co.za/category/news/.
Questions and answers for the public
1. What is entrepreneurial education?
Entrepreneurial education teaches students how to think like an entrepreneur. This means learning skills like creative thinking, problem-solving, taking initiative, managing projects, and understanding how to spot opportunities and bring ideas to life.
2. Why is entrepreneurial education important for students?
It helps students develop skills that are useful in all parts of life, not just for starting a business. It can make them more confident, better at solving problems, and ready for the future job market, whether they work for themselves or for someone else.
3. Is entrepreneurial education part of the school curriculum?
The Department of Basic Education works to integrate entrepreneurial concepts and skills into various subjects within the national curriculum, encouraging teachers to teach these skills where appropriate.
4. How does the Department of Basic Education support this type of learning?
The department supports entrepreneurial learning through curriculum development, teacher training, and by partnering with organisations like the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge to provide programmes and resources for schools.
5. What is the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge (AGEC) Summit?
The AGEC Summit is an important meeting where different groups come together to discuss and plan how to improve entrepreneurial education in schools across South Africa. It is a platform for sharing ideas and strengthening efforts in this area.
6. Who is Allan Gray?
Allan Gray is a well-known investment management company in South Africa. They also have a foundation that is very active in promoting education and entrepreneurship, which is why they are involved in initiatives like the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge.
7. How can my child or our school get involved in entrepreneurial programmes?
Schools can look out for announcements from the Department of Basic Education regarding relevant programmes and challenges. You can also contact organisations like the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation directly to see if they have programmes open to schools or individuals.
8. What benefits does this education bring to South Africa?
By encouraging entrepreneurial thinking, South Africa can see more innovation, more new businesses being created, and ultimately, more jobs. This helps to grow our economy and improve the lives of many people.
