Minister Motshekga Presents School Learner Pregnancy Prevention Policy

The primary aim of the policy is to reduce and manage the incidence of learner pregnancies and address their adverse impacts on affected learners and the basic education system. This initiative is prompted by the alarming increase in pregnancies, with 156,000 girls reported pregnant in 2021–2022, up from 126,000 in the previous financial year.

Acknowledging the severity of the issue, the Basic Education Department emphasized its crucial role in responding to the challenge within the social sector. The policy focuses on providing guidance for reducing unintended pregnancies, managing pre- and postnatal consequences, limiting stigma and discrimination against affected learners, and ensuring the retention and re-enrolment of affected learners in school.

The updated policy is rooted in an agenda to eliminate gender disparities in education and advocates for comprehensive sexuality education as an integral part of school curricula to protect learners' sexual and reproductive health rights. It commits the department and other stakeholders to ensuring accessible provision of information on prevention, care, counseling, and support, as well as frameworks for impact mitigation and guidelines for systemic management and implementation.

Importantly, the policy affirms the right of pregnant learners to remain in school during pregnancy and return soon after giving birth, with schools required to reasonably accommodate them to prevent disruption to their education. Expulsion or exclusion of pregnant learners is explicitly prohibited, and the school, family, and broader community are obligated to ensure continued education and support after pregnancy.

The policy recognizes that learner pregnancies may result from consensual or non-consensual sex, emphasizing that educators must never engage in sexual relationships with learners, regardless of the learner's age. The department commits to forming partnerships with key social sector stakeholders to protect and advance the interests of pregnant learners.

To ensure effective implementation, the department plans to establish a subcommittee on the prevention and management of learner pregnancy. This subcommittee will guide and coordinate progress, reporting on the policy's implementation, and the achievement of its objectives.

Source: IOL