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Whether, considering the high number of learners attending school without proper uniforms and shoes due to poverty, her department has a structured national support programme to protect learner dignity; if not, why not; if so, (a) by what d

Parliament of South AfricaRef: NW971

Official source

Source domain: pmg.org.za

Collected on 17 June 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 15 July 2026)Official source

What this means

The document is a parliamentary reply from the Minister of Basic Education addressing whether there is a national program to support learners lacking uniforms and shoes due to poverty. It states that there is no stand-alone national uniform distribution, but there is a CSTL (Care and Support for Teaching and Learning) framework with a toolkit and handbook to guide provinces, districts, and schools in identifying and assisting vulnerable learners. Assistance is provided continuously at local levels based on need and resources, rather than on a single national rollout date, with implementation managed primarily at school, district, and provincial levels.

What this document offers

Read out of this document by Govermate's AI, in its own words. Each one quotes the line it came from — confirm on the official source before acting.

learner support framework (policy/guidance enabling material assistance)Ongoing

CSTL Framework support for vulnerable learners (including assistance with uniforms and footwear)

The DBE provides a structured national support framework (Care and Support for Teaching and Learning) with tools for provinces and schools to identify vulnerable learners and support them with poverty-related needs that can include uniforms and footwear. Assistance is provided continuously at provincial, district and school level based on identified need, available resources, and local support arrangements.

Who it is for
vulnerable learners whose poverty-related circumstances undermine dignity, attendance, participation and learning (including orphaned learners, learners in child-headed households and learners from severely impoverished households)
How to act on it
Use the CSTL Framework processes at school, district and provincial level to identify vulnerable learners and facilitate support arrangements/partnerships for material needs such as uniforms and footwear.
Show the line this came from
It does, however, provide a structured national support framework through the Care and Support for Teaching and Learning (CSTL) Framework, supported by a toolkit for Provincial Education Departments and a handbook for schools, to assist provinces and schools in identifying and supporting vulnerable learners whose poverty-related circumstances undermine dignity, attendance, participation and learning.

Facts

Reference

NW971

Key Takeaways

  • question reference NW971
  • department: Department of Basic Education (DBE)
  • framework: Care and Support for Teaching and Learning (CSTL) Framework
  • support tools: CSTL toolkit for PROVINces, CSTL handbook for schools
  • assistance delivery: ongoing, at provincial/district/school level
  • vulnerable learners: orphaned learners, child-headed households, severely impoverished households
  • national date: no single national rollout date
  • role: DBE provides policy framework and guidance; implementation at local levels

Dates

Opening Date

19 March 2026