DBE distances itself from Sunday Times articleThe Basic Education Department (DBE) has distanced itself from an article published in the Sunday Times on 12 May, titled: "Sex lessons for modern grade 4s". © Vitaliy Vodolazskyy – 123RF.com In a statement on Monday, the DBE said the article, which has caused a stir on social media platforms, is misleading and a complete misrepresentation of the work the department is doing. “The journalist, Prega Govender of Sunday Times, has failed the readers of the newspaper and indeed the South African public by providing false information. “In the article, he quotes the Director-General Mr Mathanzima Mweli. But what Mr Govender doesn’t say is that the conversation he had with the DG was on a separate but related matter,” said DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga. Dismissing the article, which he said has caused mass hysteria unnecessarily and confusion, Mhlanga outlined the facts as follows:
“The DBE will be surprised if this particular lesson set causes outrage among learners, parents, teachers – or the media – around age inappropriateness,” said Mhlanga. The department urged the media to exercise caution and contact the department for accurate information. “Our Grade 4 learners are precious to everyone and we therefore urge the media to contact us for accurate information regarding this vital textbook project,” said the department. |