Pregnant learners permitted to sit for matric exams
The education minister gives pregnant matric learners the green light to write matric.
The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, stated this during a media briefing on Sunday about the state of readiness ahead of the commencement of the matric exams.
She explained in recent weeks the department had to deal with reported cases where some schools denied learners the right to sit for the NSC exams because they are pregnant.
Also Read: Young learners falling pregnant
“The National Policy on the Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy states that barring a learner from school on the grounds of pregnancy is discriminatory.
“In terms of the policy, schools are required to take the necessary steps to reasonably accommodate the learner to facilitate her in continuing her education,” she explained.
Also Read: Matric exams underway
The minister added that the school principal and staff, in collaboration with parents or guardians, will take all reasonable steps to accommodate the learner’s learning, health and maternal needs during the examination period.
The policy came into effect in January 2022 and all school communities are expected to comply and implement it accordingly.
