In 2020, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) partnered with Funda Wande to pilot and roll out a structured Home Language Foundation Phase programme in Afrikaans and isiXhosa as part of its reading strategy. On Saturday, 18 October 2025, the partners will host a landmark event aimed at celebrating and strengthening the role of teachers at the heart of the province’s foundational literacy and numeracy intervention.
Dubbed “Scaling Quality Education: The Role of Teachers”, the event will bring together hundreds of Foundation Phase teachers, subject advisors and education leaders from across the province to reflect on progress made and deepen the shared commitment to improving literacy and numeracy outcomes in every classroom.
Under this theme, the Western Cape Minister for Education, MrDavid Maynier, will present the policy and systems perspective on scaling quality education across the province, while Dr Zelda Barends of Stellenbosch University will contribute a research and teacher training perspective, drawing on evidence from her work in strengthening teacher education and classroom practice.
The programme will include practical learning sessions facilitated by Funda Wande specialists and WCED lead teachers, a recognition ceremony honouring outstanding educators, and a panel discussion exploring how Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) can sustain teacher development and improve learner outcomes over time. The discussion will delve into how PLCs promote collaboration among teachers, enable the sharing of best practices across schools and create a culture of continuous learning that directly enhances classroom practice and learner performance.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Phumi Nhlapo, Chief Executive Officer of Funda Wande, noted: “Teachers are the most powerful agents of change in education. This event celebrates their courage, commitment and creativity. It is also a moment to recommit to supporting teachers with the right tools, training and community so that every child can read for meaning and calculate with confidence by the age of ten.”
A Growing Partnership for Foundational Learning
The collaboration between Funda Wande and the WCED represents a shared vision for transforming foundational learning. The partnership focuses on strengthening literacy and numeracy instruction across the Foundation Phase through evidence-based teacher training, structured learning materials, and continuous classroom support. The provincial rollout of the Funda Wande literacy programme began in 2023, while the numeracy programme, called Bala Wande, will be piloted in 2026 for rollout in 2027.
Over the past year, the collaboration has expanded to include teacher support using structured lesson support and PLCs led by lead teachers in a hub and spoke model. These initiatives equip teachers with proven methods that enhance classroom practice and ensure that every learner has a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
“We are deeply encouraged by the progress we are seeing through this partnership,” said the Western Cape Minister for Education. “When teachers are supported, recognised and empowered, learners thrive. This is not just a programme, it is an investment in the very foundation of our education system to improve learning outcomes in our province.”
Funda Wande and WCED remain united in their vision that every child in South Africa should learn to read for meaning and calculate with confidence by age ten. The Western Cape event marks another step forward in turning that vision into reality through collaboration, evidence, and teacher excellence.
Event Highlights
Media Invited and Expected at the Event:
Media Information
RSVP for accreditation and interview requests:
Interview opportunities: Minister for Education, WCED officials, Funda Wande leadership, and participating Foundation Phase teachers.
