Pretoria: Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube announced the conclusion of the Teacher Education for Inclusive Teaching (TEfIT) project as a pivotal moment for embedding inclusive teaching across South Africa's educational landscape. Speaking at the TEfIT Close-Out Conference, Dube-Ncube highlighted the project's significant contributions and the need to translate these achievements into sustained policy and curriculum reforms.
According to South African Government News Agency, Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube recognized the European Union's support and the collaborative efforts of the Universities of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Witwatersrand, which played a crucial role as project sites. She emphasized the importance of leveraging the knowledge and resources generated through this partnership to continue enhancing inclusive teacher education and educational opportunities for all learners.
The conference, held from 9 - 10 September 2026, gathered stakeholders to assess the project's accomplishments and explore how its insights can shape the future of inclusive education. Dube-Ncube reiterated South Africa's constitutional commitment to providing quality education that respects every learner's dignity and equality, regardless of their background or needs.
Highlighting the ongoing challenges, Dube-Ncube noted that 25 years after the adoption of Education White Paper 6, inclusion remains an unfinished task. Despite notable progress, many learners still face barriers to participation and success, while teachers require more support and resources to manage diverse classrooms effectively. She stressed that the inclusivity of the education system is directly linked to the preparation and support of its teachers.
Among TEfIT's key achievements is the establishment of three Specialised Centres of Excellence: the Centre for Neurodiversity at the University of Johannesburg, the Centre for Visual Impairment Studies at the University of Pretoria, and the Centre for Deaf Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. These centres serve as platforms for research and innovation in critical areas of inclusive education.
The project also expanded teacher education capacity through the development of inclusive education qualifications and resources, addressing gaps in teaching materials. TEfIT contributed to creating Knowledge and Practice Standards for Inclusive Teaching, setting a benchmark for competencies required in diverse educational settings.
Moreover, TEfIT has bolstered the pool of researchers and academics in the field with the support of numerous PhD and Master's graduates. Notable among them is Dr. Guy McIlroy, a Deaf academic who completed his PhD with TEfIT's support and now serves as a full-time staff member.
Dube-Ncube highlighted the relevance of TEfIT's lessons amid ongoing policy and education reforms in South Africa, including reviews of teacher education qualifications and the Education White Paper 6. She called for systemic investment and collaborative action to ensure sustainable inclusion, urging stakeholders to institutionalize the project's gains and maintain a research-driven approach to policy and practice.