Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has been named to the prestigious TIME100 Next 2026 list, celebrating global rising stars shaping the future.
By Zuko Komisa

From a rural village upbringing to the forefront of national leadership, South Africa’s Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, is making waves globally.
At only 37, she has been named to the coveted TIME100 Next 2026 list, which honours rising stars shaping the future across industries.
Growing up during the twilight of apartheid, Gwarube was part of a generation constrained by under-resourced schools. Today, she is rewriting that history.
As South Africa’s youngest Cabinet minister, she has traded stale political formalities for straight-talking social media engagement, fearlessly taking on powerful teachers’ unions and dismantling corrupt procurement contracts.
What an incredible honour being selected as @TIME 100 Next for 2026: The World’s Most Influential Rising Stars.
— Siviwe Gwarube (@Siviwe_G) September 30, 2026
I love serving my country. And I am absolutely passionate about affording all our 13.7 million learners the quality education that they deserve. 😊🇿🇦
What uMama did… pic.twitter.com/4M9lsDCOc5
Even as a member of the opposition Democratic Alliance serving in a coalition government, Gwarube has earned respect through sheer grit and clarity.
She has boldly warned Parliament that South Africa faces severe economic consequences unless it massively scales up investment in new schools and early learning.
As Gwarube continues her crusade to overhaul the country’s classrooms, her powerful words ring true: “Education is where productivity begins. We will not stop until we get it right.”
READ NEXT: