Question NW4306 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
23 November 2022 - NW4306
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2522 on 10 October 2022, the guidelines for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics that her department is consulting on, would enable an inclusive and safe learning environment for all learners; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what are the practical considerations for implementation to ensure that the culture and rights of all learners are protected and respected; (3) whether she has any concerns about the specified guidelines and/or their implementation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) Yes
(2) Due consideration has been given to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa as the supreme law of the State, which prohibits violation of rights of all citizens.
(3) Human rights compliant education practice is an ongoing discourse; and the concern is that educators may not all be technically ready to implement the guidelines once published. Therefore, the Department of Basic Education is working with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), South African Council for Education (SACE), Equal Education Law Centre (EELC), and the Commission on Gender Equality to ensure proper sensitisation of educators and school communities to circumvent this concern.