Basic education angered by ‘masturbation’ article
The Department of Basic Education has expressed its disappointment at an article published in the Sunday Times.
The article entitled: ‘Grade 4s to learn about masturbation in new life orientation curriculum’ has sparked arguments and discussions on social media.
The department's Elijah Mhlanga described the article as untrue and misleading, creating the wrong impression about the work done by the department.
"We are therefore warning the public to not believe the content in that article as it is misleading them. We appreciate the age of grade four learners and we are not going to expose them to inappropriate material."
The department has made it clear that masturbation is not part of the curriculum.
“The curriculum is set to educate Grade 4 learners in the most age-appropriate and sensitive way, putting forward that lessons will cover being unique and special, healthy lifestyle choices with food and other substances, the importance of respecting each other and oneself, and understanding what a personal boundary is, as well as understanding the concept of privacy,” says Mhlanga.
“Grade 4 learners will practice skills such as identifying safe and unsafe behaviours within the context of personal lifestyle for example smoking, crossing the road in a safe way, as well as behaviours that are healthy or unhealthy for the environment.”