Each ministry is responsible for its level of education across the country as a whole, while each of the nine provinces has its own education department. 

The Ministry of Basic Education focuses on adult basic education and training in addition to primary and secondary education. 

The Ministry of Higher Education and Training is responsible for tertiary education up to doctorate level, and technical and vocational training. It also oversees the numerous sector specific education and training authorities. 

The central government provides a national framework for school policy, but administrative responsibility lies with the provinces. Power is also given to elected school governing bodies, which have a significant say in the running of their schools. 

Private schools and higher education institutions have a fair amount of autonomy, but are expected to fall in line with certain laws – no child may be excluded from a school on grounds of his or her race or religion, for example. 

Statutory bodies include:

• Council of Education Ministers
• Heads of the Education Department’s Committee
• General and FET Quality Assurance Council
• South African Qualifications Authority
• Council on Higher Education and Training
• South African Council for Educators
• National Board for FET
• Education Labour Relations Council
• National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Their main tasks:

• Evaluates qualifications and curricula to ensure that they are of the expected standard
• Moderates assessment to ensure that it is fair, valid and reliable
• Conducts research to ensure educational quality
• Accredits educational and assessment providers
• Verifies the authenticity of certificates.