Question NW3673 to the Minister of Basic Education
27 November 2023 - NW3673
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether, in light of South African graduates’ lack of relevant skills for a modern world, and in view of the Republic ranking as the country with the second lowest productivity level in the world, her department has conducted any research into revisiting its curriculum; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
In the case of Basic Education, curriculum review is cyclical in nature, and the Department has a long history of regularly reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it is relevant to the socio economic goal of the country. Currently the DBE is in the process of reviewing our curriculum with the aim of strengthening the competencies and equipping our learners with skills for the future to ensure our learners can transition effectively from school to higher education, the world of work or entrepreneurial opportunities.
In recent years , the Department has also introduced new subjects such as vocationally and occupationally orientated subjects including marine sciences, and new curricula has been developed for aviation studies, coding and robotics etc. to diversify the curriculum offerings.
These efforts are in response to the changing world, and to ensure our learners are equipped for the future.