acdp sex education 2

Photo: Kenneth Mashoe / Twitter

Why the DBE face political pressure to ‘scrap the sex education curriculum’

The ACDP wants the Education Department to halt the introduction of a new sex education curriculum. However, the critics may be a little misguided.

acdp sex education 2

Photo: Kenneth Mashoe / Twitter

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) have been given a deadline to prevent the rollout of the new sex education curriculum, which is set to come into effect during the next school year. The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) are seemingly furious with the proposals.

The political party, who increased their representation in Parliament to four seats this year, took to the streets on Saturday to oppose the introduction of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). In their eyes, the programme is problematic as it exposes young children to some very adult topics.

Issues with proposed sex education lessons in South Africa

Kenneth Mashoe is the leader of the minority party. They congregated at the intersection of Kgosi Mampuru II and Madiba streets for the march in Pretoria, and Mashoe explained what exact parts of CSE had been upsetting the ACDP and their supporters.

“We marched to the Department of Basic Education to call for the scrapping of Comprehensive Sexuality Education. It encourages, amongst other things, oral sex, anal sex & masturbation for children under 10 years of age. We look forward to their response. We’d like to thank the media for keeping the matter in the public arena.”

Kenneth Mashoe

Education Department denies “masturbation” to be taught in primary school

However, it would seem Kenneth Mashoe and his followers are getting the wrong end of the stick. Education officials have already denied that the aforementioned topics will be included on the primary school curriculum.

The outline for the CSE was released in May, and spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga rubbished claims that children aged 10 and under would be exposed to the topic of masturbation. He blamed the media for causing mass hysteria over the issue, too.

It has been confirmed that masturbation is only a topic that gets covered from Grade 7 onwards when children hit their adolescent development phase between the ages of 12-13. Life Orientation for Grade 4 will focus on things like the environment, road safety and the dangers of smoking.

What is CSE?

According to Rutgers, CSE is a programme which “doesn’t just focus solely on sex and sexuality, but emphasises the importance of forming healthy relationships too.” It goes beyond the more “mechanical” aspects of reproduction, and aims to educate learners about broader issues related to self-realisation.

ACDP aren’t the only religious institution concerned about the programme, though: Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA) have also been pressuring the Education Department to “review the content” that will be added to the curriculum in 2020. They aren’t happy that sex therapist Dr. Eve has been asked to contribute to certain lesson plans, either.