Department of Basic Education(DBE)

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is a vital part of South Africa’s education system, responsible for overseeing the country’s primary and secondary education. Established in 2009, the DBE emerged from the division of the former Department of Education into two entities—the DBE and the Department of Higher Education and Training—during the presidency of Jacob Zuma. This move was intended to streamline and improve the focus on different levels of education, from basic to higher learning.

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What Does the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Do?

The DBE plays a critical role in shaping the future of South Africa by ensuring that all children receive quality education from grades R (Reception) to 12. It is responsible for:

  • Curriculum Development: The DBE sets the national curriculum for all grades, ensuring that students receive a balanced and comprehensive education.
  • School Oversight: The department monitors public schools across the country, providing guidelines, support, and accountability for educators and administrators.
  • Educational Policies: The DBE formulates and implements policies that aim to improve the quality of education, ensure equitable access, and reduce dropout rates.
  • National Exams: It oversees the administration of critical national exams such as the National Senior Certificate (NSC) for matric students, ensuring standardization and fairness.
  • Partnerships with Stakeholders: The department collaborates with various educational stakeholders, including private school associations like ISASA (Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa) and NAISA (National Alliance of Independent Schools Associations).

Structure and Leadership

The DBE is headed by the Minister of Basic Education, a position currently held by Angie Motshekga since May 2009. She is responsible for providing strategic leadership and ensuring that educational goals align with South Africa’s broader developmental objectives.

The department is headquartered in Sol Plaatje House, located at 222 Struben Street in Pretoria, named after the South African writer and intellectual Sol Plaatje.

Notable Achievements and Challenges

Achievements:

  • Curriculum 2005 & CAPS: One of the department’s key achievements was the introduction of Curriculum 2005 and its revision into the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), which aimed to simplify the curriculum and make it more accessible for teachers and learners.
  • School Feeding Programs: The DBE also administers the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), ensuring that millions of students receive meals, which is vital for learning.

Challenges:

Despite its achievements, the DBE has faced several challenges. One of the most notable was the 2012 Limpopo textbook crisis, where the department failed to deliver textbooks to schools on time, sparking widespread criticism and protests.

Contact Information

For any inquiries or issues, you can reach the DBE through the following channels:


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.