Summary

Scope
This guideline is applicable to all public schools.

Legislative framework

Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act, 2003 (Act 49 of 2003);
Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992 (Act 51 of 1992);
Children’s Act, 2005 (Act 38 of 2005);
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996;
National Education Policy Act, 1996 (Act 27 of 1996);
National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003);
Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 (Act 4 of 2000);
Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act 4 of 2013);
South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act 84 of 1996);
Western Cape Provincial School Education Act, 1997 (Act 12 of 1997).

Purpose

create an educational environment that does not discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including gender, sex, sexual orientation, conscience, belief, culture and birth, among others;
create an educational environment that is free from stigma and discrimination for all learners in all public schools; and
promote gender identity and gender expression.