Mr Phillip Tshabalala

Mr Phillip Tshabalala
Chief Director for Teaching, Learning and
Research Development in the South African
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)

Mr Tshabalala is a seasoned educationalist and public servant with over three decades of experience. As a Chief Education Specialist in the former Department of Education, he produced the first national Systemic Evaluation report on learner performance, establishing a critical baseline for future assessments.

He later provided strategic leadership in district support, policy development and implementation at the Department of Basic Education as Director: Provincial and District Planning. A graduate of the Executive Development Programme for SMS members, he now serves as Chief Director: Teaching, Learning and Research Development in the Department of Higher Education and Training.

His portfolio includes teacher qualification policy oversight, teacher education system strengthening, university capacity development, and supporting South Africa’s 2025 G20 Education Working Group obligations.