Social Development

With regard to the South African Schools Act of 1996 that states that all children between the ages of 7 and 15 are required to attend school:

1. Whether her Department keeps record of the number of eligible children who are not enrolled at a school; if so, (a) what system does her Department use to keep record, (b) what is the breakdown per (i) region and (ii) age and (c) what are the main reasons for such eligible children not attending school;

Response: In terms of the South Africa Schools Act, all learner enrolment information vests with the Department of Education. This question should therefore be directed to the relevant MEC.

2. whether her Department has undertaken any measures to assist enrolling these children; if so, what are the relevant details;

Response: Where required, designated child protection social workers employed or funded by DSD assist with the necessary reports and engagements with schools and/or the Department of Education to secure school enrolment of children who are in alternative care or who are vulnerable and receiving services from DSD. Social workers employed or funded by DSD also liaise with the Department of Education where special needs placements are sought, and the DSD-run secure care facilities provide education directly to children in their care.

3. what is the nature of the support provided by her Department and/or NPO partners to provide services to support vulnerable school-aged children in entering the education system?

Response: In addition to the support referred to in response to question 2 above, DSD and DSD funded NGOs also assist with services to children referred by the Department of Education and/or Schools due to, inter alia:

- severe behavioral challenges

- substance abuse disorders

- vulnerability due to abuse, trauma, neglect or loss of parents/caregivers