The department of Basic Education is headed by the director-general Bobby Soobrayan, and its policy is made by the minister Angie Motshekga and the deputy minister Enver Surty. The department of Higher Education and Training is headed by the director-general Mary Metcalfe, and its policy is made by the minister Blade Nzimande and the deputy minister Comfort Manana.
Both these departments are funded from central government taxes. The department of Basic Education pays a portion of teachers' salaries in government schools, whereas independent schools are funded privately. Government schools may under certain circumstances supplement their funds through parent contributions.