IN CONVERSATION WITH LUKHANYO VANGQA

The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has acknowledged ongoing public debate and concerns regarding the draft History curriculum currently open for public comment. The draft curriculum is the result of work initiated in 2019 when then Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, appointed a task team to develop a revised History curriculum for Grades 4 to 12. This process has now culminated in a proposed draft document that has been released for public input. Minister Gwarube emphasised that the document is not final and has been published specifically to allow South Africans to review it and make meaningful submissions. She encouraged broad public participation, stating that the inclusivity of the process will directly 11:30 influence the inclusivity of the final curriculum. She further stated that the curriculum should not exclude key historical events or perspectives for political reasons, nor should it promote any particular ideology. Instead, she stressed that it should equip learners with critical thinking skills, enabling them to engage independently with South Africa’s history. The Minister also cautioned against misinformation circulating about the draft, noting that some claims are not supported by the actual content of the document. She urged stakeholders to engage directly with the curriculum rather than relying on inaccurate interpretations. Minister Gwarube further highlighted that South Africa’s complex history requires careful, responsible engagement. She said the goal of the process is to support reconciliation, nation-building, and improved educational outcomes for learners. The Department of Basic Education has called for robust public participation to ensure that the final curriculum reflects diverse perspectives and serves the interests of learners and the country as a whole. Instagram · Twitter