Clement Manyathela hangs out with Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube

702's Clement Manyathela is joined by Siviwe Gwarube, South Africa's Minister of Basic Education.

Listen below:

Last year, at 34 years old, Siviwe Gwarube became the youngest person appointed to the role of Minister of Basic Education.

Taking up the position, the Democratic Alliance member had previously held the position of Chief Whip of the Official Opposition.

Gwarube spoke to Manyathela about her early life, her love for politics and being named one of the 2025 Young Global Leaders at the World Economic Forum.

ALSO READ: Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube to 'cultivate' relationships with unions

On being raised by her grandmother:

"It's a very, very typical South African story. Many, many children are raised by their grandmothers in this country. My mom was very, very young when I was born. She was 17..."

- Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education

On being appointed as Basic Education Minister:

"I can tell you with certainty that Basic Education was not on my wish list, and then on the Sunday he (John Steenhuisen) called and said, 'I can't think of anyone better to do this'..."

- Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education

On being approachable as a Minister:

"One of the things I miss most is being able to show up as myself, and I try to be a authentic as possible, but at the end of the day, people make those assumptions... My team help me run some of my (social media) accounts, but I still want to be active on them."

- Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education

On being named a 2025 Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum:

"It's a very prestigious recognition being a young leader under 40, and it seeks to recognise young people who are changing the world in one way or another in their particular sector."

- Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.