Accurate data is critical for efficient planning and evidence-based decision making in education: for system-level policy makers and officials, for school leaders and for classroom educators. NASCEE partners with the New Leaders Foundation (NLF) and the Department of Education (DBE) to share information about the Data Driven Districts (DDD) Dashboard. The Dashboard provides real-time, visualised learner data from SA-SAMS and was featured in four recent NASCEE regional events (in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal and Cape Town), giving stakeholders opportunities to reflect on how data can improve their own interventions as well as foster stronger partnerships with government and across the sector.

This presentation gives an overview of the Data-Driven Districts (DDD) initiative of the Department of Education and the role of New Leaders Foundation. The presentation shares elements of the Data Driven District Dashboard, showing how effective implementation of the DDD provides education officials with quality education data and insights that drive informed decision making and improved learner outcomes nationwide.

On 15 May 2025, NASCEE and TICZA hosted the first in a webinar series exploring what it really takes to shift systems in teacher education. TICZA is pioneering an Extended Student Teacher Internship (ESTI) model — bringing together NGOs, HEIs, funders, unions, and government to create real change. Using the Collective Impact approach, TICZA has learned hard-won lessons on shared measurement, backbone roles, and building a common agenda. Key takeaway? Systems change is messy, slow, and worth it.

NASCEE’s final Cape Town networking event of the year brought together education leaders and NGOs to discuss the Western Cape Education Department’s bold vision for 2025.

Collaboration is redefining the education landscape, as highlighted at our final Gauteng Regional Chapter event hosted by the Mathew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance (MGSLG). Bringing together leaders from education, government, and NGOs, the event looked into practical ways to address critical challenges like improving teaching, supporting learner well-being, and strengthening district capacity.

Cape Town Regional Chapter Event

NASCEE is driven by a belief in the power of collaboration to magnify positive impact and influence on education in South Africa.