NASCEE Round Up | Collaboration in Action: Building Stronger Education Partnerships Across South Africa

This week's NASCEE Round Up showcases how collaboration is creating stronger education systems across South Africa. Highlights include the Cape Town Regional Networking Event, the launch of the National Literacy Promotion Toolkit Initiative, upcoming member-exclusive learning opportunities, and inspiring examples of partnership-driven impact. Stay informed about the latest events, sector insights and opportunities to connect with the broader education ecosystem.

Cape Town Regional Networking Event: Strengthening Education Partnerships in the Western Cape

On 25 June 2026, NASCEE, in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), Kagiso Trust, and EduInvest powered by Wesgro, hosted the Cape Town Regional Networking Event. Bringing together 104 education stakeholders for 4.5 hours of engagement, the event explored how stronger partnerships between government, NGOs, schools, and funders can better align resources, improve coordination, and address provincial education priorities. Discussions highlighted the importance of trust, transparency, shared accountability, and collaborative platforms such as NED Connect in building a more connected and impactful education ecosystem.

Building a Nation of Readers Together: The National Literacy Promotion Toolkit Initiative Launches

South Africa's National Literacy Promotion Toolkit Initiative, launched by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) under its Read to Lead Campaign, marks a significant step towards building a nation of readers. The initiative brings together government, education organisations, schools, families, and communities through District Reading Collectives to strengthen literacy outcomes through collaboration rather than isolated programmes. As the coordinator of civil society support, NASCEE is connecting literacy partners with implementation opportunities through NED Connect, making it easier for organisations to collaborate with districts and contribute their expertise. The initiative will be piloted in 12 priority districts before expanding nationally, creating a more coordinated and sustainable approach to literacy development across South Africa.

NASCEE's Salary Benchmarking Webinar

Aug 13, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 01:30 PM — Microsoft Teams,

What does the South African non-profit education sector actually pay? If you've ever wondered whether your organisation's salaries are aligned with the sector, this is your opportunity to find out. Join NASCEE's Salary Benchmarking Webinar as we present the findings from the first salary benchmarking survey for South Africa's non-profit education sector. All attendees will receive the full benchmark report. Facilitator: Giles Gillett, CEO of NASCEE Presenter: Esté Buchholz, Let Us Thrive

Tuesdays in the Trenches (TTT)

Jul 21, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM — Microsoft Teams,

Join NASCEE's Tuesdays in the Trenches (TTT) as we explore the vital role of parents and caregivers in education. Hear from Nelo Spies (Junior Achievement South Africa), Warren Farrer (DO MORE FOUNDATION), and Kimon Phitidis (PEP Foundation) as they share practical insights on strengthening partnerships with families, communities, and the education sector to improve learner outcomes. The interactive webinar includes a moderated discussion and live Q&A.

National Literacy Promotion Toolkit Launch

Jul 14, 2026 from 09:30 AM to 02:00 PM

NASCEE is proud to support the launch of the National Literacy Promotion Toolkit, an initiative led by the Department of Basic Education under the Read to Lead Campaign. The Toolkit introduces a collaborative approach to strengthening literacy through District Reading Collectives, bringing together government, civil society, schools, libraries and communities to build a stronger reading culture across South Africa.

NASCEE Round Up | Collaboration, Leadership and New Opportunities Across South Africa's Education Sector

This week's NASCEE Round Up celebrates the power of collaboration, featuring the NASCEE Leadership Forum Impact Report, insights from our latest Fundraising PLC Masterclass, the return of Tuesdays in the Trenches, the launch of the new Connect feature on NED Connect, and upcoming learning opportunities for the education sector.

NASCEE Fundraising Professional Learning Community Masterclass

The latest NASCEE Fundraising Professional Learning Community Masterclass featured Dr. Russell Ally, who explored the realities of philanthropy through the unique perspective of both a grant-maker and fundraiser. The session highlighted the importance of moving beyond fundraising towards resource mobilisation, recognising the value of strong partnerships, governance, credibility, and community trust. Participants were reminded that meaningful social change is built on collaboration, mutual respect, and a commitment to strengthening communities.

New on NED Connect: See the Bigger Picture

How do we know which schools are being supported - and which are still being left behind? Until now, no one has had a complete picture. We're excited to announce the launch of the new Reports section on NED Connect, giving the education sector access to powerful, interactive insights into civil society's contribution across South Africa. At the heart of the new reports is an interactive map of every school in South Africa, showing where support from education organisations has been reported. For the first time, government, funders, NGOs and partners can begin to visualise the collective footprint of the sector - and identify where support is still needed.

Digital Inclusion Summit

Sep 09, 2026 — Sandton, Johannesburg,

Digital inclusion is now central to the future of education, youth development and social impact. Across the education, nonprofit and innovation sectors, many of the most important conversations are increasingly shaped by the same questions: How do we ensure that learners, young people, educators, families and communities are not left behind as services, learning, work and opportunity become more digital? How do we move beyond access to meaningful digital participation? How do we make sure that digital tools strengthen inclusion rather than deepen existing inequalities? The Digital Inclusion Summit South Africa 2026 provides an important platform for these conversations.

NASCEE Round Up | Turning Conversations into Impact – 26 June 2026

This edition of the NASCEE Round Up showcases how collaboration, innovation, and shared learning are driving meaningful change across South Africa's education sector. Discover the latest Leadership Forum Impact Report, highlights from the Coaching in Context Short Course, the launch of NED Connect's interactive reporting platform, upcoming professional development opportunities, and key events from across the NASCEE network.

YeBo Academy and NASCEE Empower Education Leaders Through Coaching in Context Johannesburg Report

Education and social impact practitioners gathered in Johannesburg for YeBo Academy's Coaching in Context Short Course, delivered in collaboration with NASCEE. The two-day programme equipped participants with practical coaching skills, fostered collaboration across organisations, and inspired new ways of supporting young people and teams to thrive.