- Call for an Inclusive and Competitive Education System: Buffalo City Executive Mayor, Cllr Princess Faku, advocates for an education system that is inclusive, resilient, and capable of competing globally, emphasizing the importance of partnership and innovation.
- Significance of the Eastern Cape Education Indaba: Mayor Faku highlighted the indaba as a platform for meaningful engagement on shaping an inclusive and innovative education system, fostering reflection, bold thinking, and partnership development for future generations.
- Linkage of Education Focus to National Priorities: The mayor connected South Africa’s education initiatives to national priorities of solidarity, equality, and sustainable development, aligned with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s emphasis at the World Economic Forum.
- Global Economic Shifts and Africa’s Rising Role: Faku warned of risks from protectionism and tariffs, urging South Africa to leverage G20 leadership to promote fair trade, investment, and deeper cooperation through initiatives like AfCFTA to foster Africa’s economic growth.
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor Princess Faku, has called for an education system that is more inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive. She was speaking at the Eastern Cape Provincial Education Indaba, hosted at the East London International Convention Centre.
Welcoming delegates to the city, Mayor Faku said the gathering reflected a shared commitment to strengthening education for Africa and the world.
“This Indaba provides us with a unique platform to engage meaningfully on how we can shape an education system that is inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive,” she said. “It is a space for reflection, bold thinking, and the forging of partnerships that will benefit our children and future generations.”
Mayor Faku explained that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is built on a bottom-up approach. ensuring that policies reflect both international best practice and the lived experiences of local communities. She applauded the Eastern Cape Department of Education for hosting the indaba under the theme “Building Future Leaders.”
She further linked the province’s education focus to the national priorities outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the World Economic Forum earlier this year, which emphasised solidarity, equality, and sustainable development.
Speaking on global economic shifts, Mayor Faku warned of the risks posed by rising protectionism and tariff policies, saying they threaten fair trade and have direct effects on local economies. She urged South Africa to use its G20 leadership to push for fairer trade terms, stronger investment, and deeper cooperation through platforms like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
“This is the moment that Africa must rise. The G20 is not merely a forum for dialogue; it is a platform for action,” she said. “It must be used to push for Africa’s inclusive economic growth, job creation, and the integration of education, climate action, and human development into global agendas.”
Mayor Faku concluded by reaffirming Buffalo City Metro’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen foundational learning, empower teachers, and prepare young people for opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Let us rise to this occasion. Let us embrace this opportunity to build solidarity, shape a resilient and equitable education system, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future,” she said.
