The minister of basic education is the minister in the Cabinet of South Africa who has political responsibility for the Department of Basic Education.

The portfolio includes both primary and secondary education.

Announcing his first cabinet, President Jacob Zuma bifurcated that ministry, creating the minister of basic education and a separate minister of higher education and training.

[2] Angie Motshekga was appointed as the inaugural minister of basic education, a position she retained for the next 15 years.

[3] Minister Siviwe Gwarube was appointed to the Ministry of Basic Education on 30 June 2024,[4] and sworn into office on 3 July 2024.