LEARNER PREGNANCY: INPUT SOUGHT ON DRAFT MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS

LEARNER PREGNANCY: INPUT SOUGHT ON DRAFT MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS

• 25 March 2026
• Education & Training
• SA Legal Academy

Please note: 1) Only on 31 March 2026 did the Department of Basic Education issue a media statement drawing attention to the draft regulations – six days into the 30-day public commentary period. 2) On 24 April 2026, the department gazetted a notice extending the commentary deadline to 24 May 2026.

The Department of Basic Education has called for input by 24 April 2026 on draft regulations for managing learner pregnancy. Once finalised, they will apply to all South African schools – requiring them to:

• provide the necessary support to ensure that pregnant learners remain in school until childbirth and return to school afterwards, and
• facilitate:
  • a non-discriminatory, non-judgmental environment for pregnant learners, and
  • access by pregnant learners to ante- and post-natal care as well as psycho-support services.

Suspension, expulsion and any punitive action based solely on pregnancy will be prohibited.

Against that backdrop, the draft regulations cover:

• the obligations of:
  • a district-based support team
  • a school-based support team, and
  • a school principal
• matters related to the disclosure of the biological father
• assessments and examinations
• extended absences, and
• general procedures.

Please click the link below for more information:

• draft regulations

Published by SA Legal Academy Policy Watch

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