JOHANNESBURG - Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has been named to TIME’s 100 Next list for 2026, placing South Africa’s education reform efforts in the global spotlight.
The annual list, released on Wednesday, recognises emerging leaders from around the world who are shaping the future across different fields.
Gwarube joins an international group that includes British actor Himesh Patel and American engineer and astronaut Anna Menon.
Her inclusion recognises her work in strengthening early childhood education, reading and mathematics, key areas in efforts to improve foundational learning in South Africa.
The recognition also highlights South Africa’s growing role in global conversations around improving basic education and ensuring children develop essential literacy and numeracy skills from an early age.
The Department of Basic Education described the honour as a proud moment for Gwarube and the country’s education sector.
Gwarube’s TIME recognition comes in the same year that Proteas captain Temba Bavuma was named among TIME100’s most influential people in sports for 2026.
They join a growing group of South Africans who have received recognition from TIME, including comedian Trevor Noah, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, actor Nomzamo Mbatha and President Cyril Ramaphosa.