Education Conversations is hosted by Kagiso Trust in partnership with the University of Johannesburg Faculty of Education, serves as a platform for open dialogue among education stakeholders. These webinars are designed to foster collaborative thinking and contribute to policy development, transformation, and sustainable progress in South Africa’s education landscape. They bring together voices from education, government, industry, and civil society to explore innovative and inclusive solutions.
The upcoming topic aligns with UNESCO’s International Day of Education theme, which places young people at the centre of cocreating education systems, supported by a new global measurement of youth participation in policymaking.
Speaker Biographies
Masechaba Ntsane
Masechaba Ntsane is a development practitioner and youth organiser dedicated to advancing social justice in education. She serves as a Junior Organiser in Equal Education’s National Organising Department, supporting learner-led campaigns for safe and dignified school sanitation. She also serves as Deputy Chairperson of Equal Education’s National Council for the Post-School Youth Sector, focusing on youth waithood, access to higher education, and wellbeing.
She is completing her MA in Social Development at the University of the Witwatersrand, building on a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and an Honours in Philosophy from the University of Johannesburg. Masechaba has held several student leadership roles and has contributed to policy and advocacy work with Amnesty International South Africa and the South African Institute of International Affairs.
Charles Pule
Charles Pule is the Director: Quality Assurance – Public Providers at QCTO and a PhD researcher at the University of Pretoria. He leads national initiatives on lecturer development, accreditation of Public institutions, and the implementation of occupational qualifications in South Africa’s PSET sector. His work focuses on transforming vocational education through industry alignment, and digital learning innovation.
Gideon Potgieter
Gideon Potgieter is an engineer and business leader with expertise in organisational optimisation across education, manufacturing, and technology sectors. He holds a qualification in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management.
He previously served as CEO and board member of Resolution Circle (Pty) Ltd, a University of Johannesburg-linked technology incubator focused on bridging academia and industry. He has led major initiatives addressing skills gaps, including establishing 4IR laboratories and advancing practical, industry-driven innovation strategies. His career is centred on improving performance, efficiency, and applied technological development in South Africa.
Rev. Deon van der Merwe
Rev. Deon van der Merwe is a lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Johannesburg. With a multidisciplinary background in ministry, education, and psychology, he has extensive experience supporting learners, educators, and school communities.
He holds qualifications in Theology and Ministry, Arts in Health and Social Sciences, Psychological Counselling, and Education, and is registered with SACE and the HPCSA. Since 2003, he has served on management committees in both the public and non-profit sectors and has facilitated numerous workshops promoting wellbeing, empowerment, and learning. His work is guided by a people-centred approach that emphasises strength-based development and supportive learning environments.
