Biography of Ms. Portia Smit
About Ms. Portia Smit:
Portia Smit is a nationally respected education strategist and dynamic thought leader with over three decades of impactful service across South Africa’s education landscape. From her foundational years as an Intermediate and Senior Phase teacher to her current role as Deputy Chief Education Specialist in the Western Cape Education Department, she has led systemic transformation in curriculum delivery, literacy development, and instructional innovation. She holds an HDE in Human Movement Sciences (UWC), a B.Ed. Honours in Education Law and Management (UP), and is currently completing her master’s in education leadership. In addition, she holds specialised qualifications in assessment and moderation, mentoring, monitoring and evaluation, life coaching, curriculum planning, teacher development, eLearning integration, and strategic leadership.
Portia has led national literacy interventions, curated impactful language content, pioneered digital and mobile library models, and championed inclusive education practices. She has contributed to national curriculum steering committees and collaborated with the Department of Basic Education on high-level review and alignment processes for the Multigrade Curriculum. A passionate advocate for educator empowerment, she champions the leader within, inspiring teachers and subject advisors to realise their full potential and lead transformative change. Recognised for her strategic insight and grounded, people-centred leadership, Portia brings clarity, inspiration, and practical depth to every platform. Her presentations are authentic and energising—offering experience-rich guidance that empowers stakeholders to teach, lead, and transform with purpose.
