Question NW990 to the Minister of Basic Education
05 June 2017 - NW990
Terblanche, Ms JF to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)Whether, she has found any evidence that supports the fact that children at public schools think a certain political organisation (name furnished) is corrupt and useless, as alleged by a certain person (name and details furnished) if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, has she found that the attitude of the pupils towards the specified political organisation is as a result of what they are taught at school; (2) whether she will make a statement on the integrity of the school system?
Reply:
1. The Minister has written to the identified person to provide the Department of Basic Education (DBE) with evidence in this regard. However, the DBE has been made aware of isolated cases (not a norm) involving some teachers. From the advent of democracy in South Africa, the DBE has built the curriculum on the same values and principles on which the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa are based. The National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement articulates the democratic values, aims and principles, social justice and fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The implementation of the National Curriculum and Policy Statement makes it difficult for teachers to stray from the content, pedagogy, dogma and values anchoring the curriculum itself. Where teachers were found to have strayed from the implementation of the curriculum in its true content and spirit, the Department has acted and meted out applicable sanctions.
2. There would be no need to defend the integrity of school system on this matter as the Department is not inundated with reports of such cases. The DBE will, however, bring it to the attention of Provincial Education Departments to make teachers aware of consequences of not adhering to the stipulations of the National Curriculum and Assessment Statement and the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.