#InYourWorldToday | Public school learners return to classrooms across the country today. The 2025 school year begins amidst significant education policy changes, longstanding quality challenges, and threats of teacher staffing as the National Treasury imposes budget cuts.

Speaking to us about the state of public education is Professor Mary Mercalfe, Executive Director of PILO - an NPO focused on education policy, and former MEC for Education in Gauteng.