Take it back to the basics and focus on reading, writing and understanding
A second-class system for the majority poor population entrenches social and economic inequality
It is exploring the idea of asking more food manufacturers to provide poor learners with a morning meal.
The department announced on Thursday that Mathanzima Mweli had been appointed as DG after a "rigorous interview and vetting process".
The country places a high value on the power of education to achieve a stable, peaceful and prosperous society.
The DA has expressed shock over Medium Term Strategic Framework figures, which show that only 61% of pupils have access to required textbooks.
The basic education department accused Equal Education of being dishonest and patronising by "organising black African children with half-truths".
Twenty-five teachers are taking the basic education department to court to force it to pay them, it has been reported.
The education authority must set up a remedial programme for pupils who did not get textbooks.
NGO Equal Education says Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga’s statements submitted to court on basic education rights are wrong.