
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has launched its Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy in Schools initiative.
The initiative aims to ensure that young mothers have access to much-needed support services.
It is also focused on addressing the high incidence of learner pregnancy and the drop-out that usually follows.
The policy also requires schools to report to the police when a pregnant learner is under the age of 16.
UNESCO National Programme Officer, at the DBE, Buyiswa Mpini.
View the online launch of the initiative here.
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The @DBE_SA policy is being launched today. We hope that it will help in reducing the incidence of learner pregnancy affecting children of school going age. Our school communities need to work together to ensure the implementation of the policy. pic.twitter.com/L1Me8pFlcj
— Hubert Mathanzima Mweli (@HubertMweli) February 17, 2022
Schools will be required to report to the police where the pregnant learner is under the age of 16. The @SAPoliceService will be informed to investigate and arrest perpetrators in cases of statutory rape. @ReginahMhaule @HealthZA @DBE_SA pic.twitter.com/FwurYWXR4o
— Elijah Mhlanga (@ElijahMhlanga) February 17, 2022

The University of Stellenbosch professor of Education, Jonathan Jansen has added his voice to calls to have schools reopen schools on a full-time basis.
Jansen says South African learners have lost out to up to 30% of their learning since the announcement of the national lockdown in March of 2020.
Jansen says reopening schools on a non-staggered basis would give learners access to the much-needed face-to-face learning they have lost out on over the past two years.
Get the latest news from the Department of Basic Education here.
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Minister Motshekga briefs media ahead of schools opening tomorrow. https://t.co/zhfmxia8lo
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) January 11, 2022

The Department of Basic Education has again assured parents that their kids would not be vaccinated against Covid-19 on school premises.
Deputy Director General for Planning at the DBE, Simone Geyer says the vaccination of those, aged 12 to 17, would only take place at vaccination clinics.
Geyer says the vaccination clinics will be managed by the national Department of Health.
She says the decision, for kids to get vaccinated, should be jointly made by both parents and their children.
Access the DBE’s full briefing here.
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Minister Motshekga on 30% 'pass' mark: "All that needs to be said is that 30% is not a pass mark in this country. If a candidate gets an aggregate of 30% in all subjects written, the candidate will surely fail." pic.twitter.com/qksMd8Es0u
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) January 11, 2022

Get more information here.
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Very important information to note regarding #BEEIApplications. Everyone's application will be reviewed, regardless of when it was received, as long as it was submitted during the application period. #YouthSupportingSchools https://t.co/5Y1PpmnwvE
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) September 28, 2021
We are aware that some applicants are experiencing challenges when applying via the https://t.co/aG6S0l8obY platform. You are kindly requested to use the numbers provided below for any information or assistance you might need. Thank you @ElijahMhlanga @HubertMweli @ReginahMhaule pic.twitter.com/8CEnzYmIi6
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) September 28, 2021

The Department of Basic Education has dispelled rumours that matric pupils will be forced to get vaccinated against Covid-19, as their final exams approach.
DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said eligible matriculants, who are 18 years of age, or older, are encouraged to take the vaccine, but will not be forced to do so.
Mhlanga says there is no requirement for matric candidates to be vaccinated before being allowed to write exams.
To read the DBE’s announcement on the change to the 2021 examination timetable, click here.
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[MEDIA STATEMENT] Matric exam timetable amended to accommodate local government elections @HubertMweli @ReginahMhaule @ElijahMhlanga pic.twitter.com/G8Ki8Mx3PS
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) September 15, 2021
The revised 2021 NSC examinations timetable 👇 pic.twitter.com/FzBTWZvreA
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) September 15, 2021