A "seismic shift" in the education system is required to break the cycle of poverty and inequality in South Africa, this is according to Oppenheimer Memorial Trust chief executive Tracey Webster.

She says South Africa is well aware of the issues that persist in the education system and has the skills and resources to address them.

She however says that requires genuine collaboration between leaders in civil society, academia, philanthropy, the private sector and government to ensure every person has access to quality education at every phase of their journey.

Webster was speaking as the trust launched its Education Research Report.

She says the South African education system needs changes at every level, starting with early childhood development (ECD) and running through to higher education research and development..