Question NW2374 to the Minister of Basic Education
31 August 2018 - NW2374
Botes, Mr A to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) What progress has her department made regarding the recommendation of the Ministerial Task Team to make History a compulsory and stand-alone subject in the (a) General Education and Training and (b) Further Education and Training phases; (2) whether the parents and learners have been made to understand the purpose of the implementation of History as a compulsory and stand-alone subject in schools? NW2552E
Reply:
(1) The recommendations made by the Ministerial Task Team do not imply that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has taken a final decision on the implementation of History as compulsory subject. The report was released to the public, to allow for broader engagements and inputs before any decision could be taken.
The recommendations have already been presented at various fora as part of the consultation process. The findings of the consultation process will be used to determine a final position of the DBE.
The Ministerial decision and the sector’s response will be shared with the public in due course and the public and stakeholders will be invited to comment before any policy is finalised in this regard.
a) History is already a standalone subject in the FET phase. The DBE is in the process of reappointing the Ministerial Task Team members as well as a reference team to strengthen the History curriculum for both the GET and FET Bands. The draft curriculum will be presented widely and gazette for public comment before finalisation.
b) The decision to offer History as a standalone subject in the GET phase, has not been taken yet, as part of the consultation process the offering of History as a standalone subject in the GET phase is still being consulted on.
(2) Once a final decision has been taken by the Minister, all stakeholders, including parents and learners, will be informed through a formal promulgation process.