Natalie Southgate
As Deputy Chief Curriculum Planner for English at the Western Cape Education Department, Natalie isn't just changing curriculum documents—she's transforming how an entire province learns to read.
"I've seen firsthand what happens when a child unlocks the code of reading," Natalie often says. "That moment changes everything—the child beams with accomplishment, teachers feel empowered by their success, and the impact ripples through generations to come."
Natalie's journey through South Africa's education landscape reflects a profound commitment to educational transformation. From teaching Grade 1 learners in under-resourced classrooms to shaping national language policy, she has navigated every level of the system. This unique vantage point—from chalk-dusted hands to provincial leadership—gives her insights few can match.
Her pioneering work embedding synthetic phonics through the Jolly Phonics approach has significantly transformed reading instruction across the Western Cape. But Natalie's true gift lies in her evidence-based approach to system improvement. Her recent research measured learner achievement to pinpoint exactly where and how the system needs strengthening, replacing guesswork with precision.
"Curriculum isn't a script handed down from above," she insists. "It's a puzzle that teachers must assemble with the right tools in their unique contexts." This philosophy has made her a trusted ally to educators across socioeconomic divides.
What drives her? A fierce belief that literacy is not a privilege but a basic human right—and that teachers hold the keys to this kingdom. With unwavering focus, Natalie continues her mission to ensure every teacher can guide every learner toward reading fluency and comprehension.
One word. One sentence. One story at a time. This is how Natalie Southgate is quietly changing the future of a nation.