The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has revealed a draft discussion document which will soon be published for public comment regarding the use of Unisex toilets at schools around the country.
This document is still evolving as the department consults with various stakeholders to make suggestions regarding the subject of Unisex toilets. Broad consultations will also take place to iron out how the policy could be implemented in schools.
These consultations will deal with the guidelines for the social educational inclusion of diverse sexual orientation gender identity expression and sex characteristics in schools.
Chief Director of Communications at the DBE Elijah Mhlanga disputed media reports that the DBE wants to impose unisex toilets at schools.
Mhlanga says these reports are incorrect, and further explained that internal discussions are taking place in the education sector on how the matters of gender identity and social inclusion can be addressed in schools.
They add that Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) have previously faced legal action from parents whose children feel unwelcome at schools.
They say this consultation period for the proposed law changes aims to ensure all children feel welcomed in South African schools.
“The department has the responsibility to ensure that we put in place measures that will ensure that all learners in school feel welcome and that there is no discrimination the matter of social inclusion is more than just the issue of unisex toilets,” explained Mhlanga.
The public comment process will take place during the early months of 2023. This period will allow interested individuals to make submissions to the education department regarding the policy.
“All members of the public will have an opportunity to air their views. At the moment, however, the document is still being worked on and input is still being sourced from different places before it can be opened up for public discussion so no one should panic” they said.
Mhlanga has called for calm among members of the public as the DBE follows its standard protocols regarding the introduction of new policies and guidelines.
