Department of Basic Education distances itself from images circulating on social media of life orientation curriculum

The Department of Basic Education has distanced itself from a series of images that have been circulated on social media in recent weeks and said these images are not part of the books produced by the department

In a statement by the Department of Basic Education’s spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga, the department noted that members of the public have been contacting the department about videos with incorrect information that have also been distributed on social media. These social media posts have misled the public and created unnecessary anxiety and anger, especially among parents. 

“One of the many images shows adults in bed with graphic details. Another piece of fake news is that the department will distribute condoms with stationery in 2020. There is also a video of an individual spreading wrong and potentially harmful information,” Mhlanga explained.

The department has warned that there is a difference between what is on the Internet and social media and what is contained in the books of the department. Parents are urged to verify the information with the department before making decisions based on information published by certain organisations and individuals.

Mhlanga explained that the purpose of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is to address sexual abuse, HIV infections, learner pregnancy, and bullying and peer pressure and help learners stay in school until they complete Grade 12, at least.

“Some media organisations have perpetuated the outrage with the continued reference to ‘sex education’ and ‘sex curriculum’. The correct reference is comprehensive sexuality education. It is part of a section of the life orientation subject, which focuses on ‘sexuality’ as opposed to ‘sex’. Media reports have also incorrectly referred to a ‘new curriculum’ or ‘planned curriculum’ even when DBE made it clear the CSE aspect in LO is not a new curriculum.”

Mhlanga clarified that if you choose CAPS, life orientation (with CSE) is already part of the curriculum, and has been since 2000. Parents are also free, and indeed, encouraged, to look into any aspect of what their children are taught in any subject at any time. It’s all available to them in various ways.

“The department has now made available all the scripted lesson plans for people to read and review. The department is, therefore, urging the nation to resist and ignore the latest misinformation campaign that seeks to spread more confusion and sow panic around the comprehensive sexuality education.”

Mhlanga said parents should take note that there is no new CSE curriculum to be introduced; there is no implementation of a ‘new curriculum’ in 2020; the department is conducting a pilot in five provinces, 1 500 schools; The department is only testing the use of scripted lesson plans, nothing more; and consultation has taken place in the areas where the pilot is taking place.

Mhlanga said that since the introduction of CSE in 2000, the department has held continuous consultative engagements with stakeholders, both at national and provincial level. These engagements were specifically informed by, among others, the South African National HIV prevalence and high rates of learner and teenage pregnancy.

The department concluded by stating that it is open, and will continue to engage with concerned citizens who have an input to make regarding the scripted lesson plans on comprehensive sexuality education in particular and life orientation in general.

Related article:

Department of Basic Education releases scripted lesson plans

https://midrandreporter.co.za/229232/comprehensive-sexuality-education-lesson-plans-now-online/