At the Education World Forum, the Ministerial Taskforce on ending school violence reconvened to turn commitments into action. A new blog by GPE, @CGDev, @FCDOGovUK and @UNICEFEducation highlights the path forward ⬇️ #FundEducation #SafeToLearn g.pe/VhMk50Z39Yv

Three powerful voices highlighted the intersection of digital safety, social justice, and education transformation. Professor Noluxolo Gcaza from the Nelson Mandela University shared how her journey from corporate cybersecurity to community impact reshaped her approach, placing learners’ wellbeing at the centre and promoting a culture of responsible, values-driven digital citizenship. Ms Dululu Hlatshaneni from the Social Cohesion directorate emphasised the urgent need to confront Gender-based Violence (GBV) and advance inclusion in schools through policy, educator support, and human rights-based interventions. Dr Motene from the e-Learning directorate outlined a four-phase roadmap to implement secure, sustainable e-learning systems, from vision-setting and infrastructure rollout to capacity building and long-term monitoring. Together, they reinforced that safe, inclusive, and future-ready education requires both technological innovation and a strong human-centred approach. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #GovZAUpdates #EducationZA

Mrs Mmaletjema Lekalakala from the Film and Publication Board highlighted the evolution of content regulation in South Africa, from a pre-1994 censorship-driven approach to a democratic framework focused on protection, education, and informed choice. She highlighted the FPB’s role in ensuring that content aligns with the country’s social norms and values, while safeguarding children from harmful exposure. With the rapid rise of the digital age, especially during COVID-19, she underscored the urgent need for stronger online safety measures, effective age-verification systems, and greater awareness among parents and communities. Ultimately, her message reinforced the FPB’s guiding principle: “We Inform, You Choose.” Ms Siphokazi Novukuza from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies outlined South Africa’s cybersecurity ecosystem, highlighting key legislation such as the National Cybersecurity Framework, cybercrime laws, and POPIA; which collectively guide how data is protected, processed, and reported. She explained the roles of various cybersecurity incident response structures, including sector-based CSIRTs for banking, telecommunications, aviation, energy, and health, coordinated through national hubs and government entities. She further emphasised the importance of public awareness and reporting mechanisms, encouraging citizens to report cyber incidents and use available support systems. A major focus of her presentation was the department’s cybersecurity awareness toolkit, developed for learners, teachers, and caregivers to build digital literacy and promote safe online behaviour. She concluded by reinforcing simple but effective safety principles, “think before you post, lock it, block it, and report it”, as essential habits for staying safe in the digital space. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #GovZAUpdates #EducationZA

Mr Dirk Hanekom, District Chief Education Specialist in Buffalo City, welcomed the Online Safety Integrated Workshop as a timely and critical intervention, emphasising that schools must go beyond academics to become safe and value-driven spaces. He highlighted that the workshop will strengthen educators’ role as moral leaders and custodians of learner well-being, equipping them to confront challenges such as bullying, harassment and gender-based violence with courage and accountability. He expressed confidence that the programme will drive practical, lasting impact across schools in the district. Mr. Sammy Maraba from the School Safety Directorate outlined that ensuring learner safety and well-being remains a central priority that will define the success of the current 7th administration priorities. He highlighted that the Online Safety Integrated Programme is designed to equip educators, empower learners to navigate digital spaces responsibly, and strengthen governance structures to effectively manage online harm. Mr Maraba further noted that collaboration across directorates and partners is essential in building safer and more resilient school communities. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #GovZAUpdates #EducationZA

#OnlineSchoolSafety | In a world where technology is evolving faster than we can adapt, the digital space presents both remarkable opportunities and real risks for today’s learners, making it essential for education to keep pace. The Department of Basic Education’s School Safety Directorate is currently hosting a three days district based Online Safety Integrated Training Workshop in the Eastern Cape, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, bringing together Life Orientation subject advisors and educators within the district. This initiative is implemented in partnership with @UNICEF_SA, @UnescoZA, @CommsZA, @FPB_ZA,@googleafrica, @AYMOnSocials and @The_DSD. It is also a coordinated effort within various directorates within the DBE: Life Orientation Curricula, QLTC, e-Learning and Governance, Social Cohesion, Psychosocial Support and Inclusive Education With increased access to mobile devices and the internet, even in the most remote communities, learners are engaging in digital spaces more than ever before. This reality calls for a proactive approach to ensure they are equipped to manage both the benefits and the potential harms that come with being online. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #GovZAUpdates #EducationZA

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“How do we turn online safety into real classroom learning?” This is the question that shaped the final day of the Online School Safety Integrated Programme Workshop. Today in KwaZulu-Natal, educators worked in table groups to connect Life Orientation ATP lessons with practical online safety activities. Each group selected an activity, discussed how it could be taught, and practised presenting it as if they were teaching learners in class. The session ended with group presentations and reflections, giving educators practical ways to integrate online safety into their classrooms. This highlighting how integrated intergovernmental collaboration and partnerships with private organisations can strengthen efforts to promote safer digital spaces for learners. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates

Learning took on an interactive twist as teachers stepped into the shoes of their learners, participating in a lively Kahoot! online safety quiz — turning knowledge into action through play. The game-based session sparked reflection, discussion, and a healthy sense of competition, all while reinforcing key online safety concepts in a practical and engaging way. Building on this energy, the teachers then spent the remainder of the day unpacking and exploring lesson plans from Grades 8 to 12 aligned to the Online School Safety Curriculum Guidelines. These carefully structured lessons will form the basis of tomorrow’s presentations, where teachers will showcase how they plan to bring online safety to life in their classrooms. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates

Under the theme “A Systemic Approach to Online Safety Teaching and Awareness,” Mr Njobe from Agape Youth Movement urged teachers to recognise online safety as a continuous, whole-school responsibility rather than a once-off or stand-alone lesson. He highlighted the importance of innovative, learner-centred methodologies that position teachers as facilitators of meaningful dialogue, critical thinking, and reflection. He further stressed that online safety education must be grounded in core values such as responsible citizenship and Ubuntu, ensuring strong alignment with CAPS while promoting meaningful skills development for learners. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates

#KuzobaSafeEsgela | Teachers are the first line of defence in creating safe and supportive learning environments; both in the classroom and online. Day 2 of the Online Integrated School Safety Workshop continues in KwaZulu-Natal at Dokkies Education Institute, where Life Orientation subject advisors and teachers are strengthening their capacity to respond to the growing digital risks facing learners. They will be engaging with practical, real-world scenarios that reflect the challenges learners face daily; including cyberbullying, online grooming, sextortion, exposure to harmful content, and the misuse of digital platforms. These hands-on engagements are sharpening school-based reporting protocols, refining response strategies, and ensuring that incidents of online violence are managed decisively and with care. Today is particularly vital as the focus on the implementation of the Online Safety Curriculum Guidelines (OSCG), a foundational step in embedding online safety into everyday teaching and learning. The Guidelines provide a clear framework for equipping learners with the skills to identify online risks, protect their personal information, and navigate digital spaces responsibly. Strengthening teachers’ understanding of this framework ensures that online safety education becomes structured, consistent, and impactful across classrooms in KwaZulu-Natal. #OnlineSchoolSafetyWorkshop #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #OSCG #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates

Este hito refuerza el compromiso del Mineduc con espacios educativos seguros, inclusivos y libres de violencia. ✨👐🏼 #SafeToLearn

Day 1 of the Online Safety Integrated Programme workshop in KwaZulu-Natal is all about presentations, learning, and absorbing key insights; equipping educators with the knowledge to create safer digital spaces for every learner. Mr Ngobese, Director of Online School Safety, officially opened the three-day session by welcoming Life Orientation subject advisors and teachers in KwaZulu-Natal, while acknowledging the invaluable support of partners and stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of collective action in preventing cyberbullying and online violence, encouraging educators to champion safe and responsible online behaviour within their school communities. Ms Sinah Moruane, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF South Africa, emphasised UNICEF’s strengthened partnership with government departments to build the capacity of educators and social workers on online child protection. She shared key achievements in 2025, including the training of hundreds of professionals, ongoing awareness campaigns with partners such as Save the Children, Childline South Africa and AGAPE, and the completion of a national strategy on online child sexual abuse with a child-friendly version to support coordinated responses. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates

The Department of Basic Education’s School Safety Directorate is currently hosting a three-day Online Safety Integrated Workshop at Dokkies Educational Institute in KwaZulu-Natal, bringing together Life Orientation subject advisors and teachers from across the province. The workshop is implemented in partnership with UNICEF South Africa, the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, UNESCO, the Government Communication and Information System, the Film and Publication Board, the Department of Social Development, Google Africa, and the Africa Youth Movement. It also represents an integrated approach within the DBE, bringing together various directorates to strengthen coordinated efforts on online safety in schools. The training aims to strengthen subject advisors and teacher’s knowledge of online child safety and cyberbullying, empowers them to identify and respond effectively to incidents of online violence, including Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSEA), and reinforces the education sector’s commitment to creating safe, supportive teaching and learning environments in the digital age. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates

Fun fact: The word pedagogy comes from the Greek paidagōgos, meaning “to lead a child”, and refers to the art and science of teaching. To close the Online School Safety Workshop, teachers engaged in a creative group activity, developing and presenting practical teaching strategies they will use in their classrooms by implementing the Online Safety Curriculum Guideline. They also evaluated each other’s presentations, offering constructive feedback to refine and strengthen their approaches. As the workshop concludes, teachers leave empowered to guide learners safely and responsibly, while the Department of Basic Education’s School Safety Directorate, together with partners including @UNICEF_SA, @UNESCO, @CommsZA, @FPB_ZA, @The_DSD, @Google, and @AYMOnSocials, ensured a successful workshop in Mthatha. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates

Mrs Karen Walstra representing Google gave a presentation to teachers on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. She highlighted how AI tools can support lesson planning, strengthen teaching, and personalise learning, while stressing the importance of ethical and responsible use. She also cautioned about potential risks such as misinformation, privacy concerns, and misuse, encouraging teachers to equip learners with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate an AI-driven digital world safely and responsibly. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates

#KuzobaSafeEsgela | As the three-day Online Safety Integrated Workshop concludes at St John’s College in Mthatha, the focus turns to reflection and implementation. Over the past two days, Life Orientation subject advisors and teachers have strengthened their understanding of online child safety, unpacked real-life case studies on cyberbullying and online violence, and explored reporting protocols and practical response strategies. They have also received guidance on integrating Online Safety Curriculum Guidelines (OSCD) to help learners recognise risks and become responsible digital citizens. #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates

From the DBE School Safety Directorate, Mr Sammy Maraba, alongside Miss Mmaletjema Lekalakala of the Film and Publication Board, led an interactive learner awareness session focused on empowering learners to navigate the online digital space responsibly. The discussion explored learners’ understanding of age restrictions on television content, their use of social media platforms, the type of content they engage with, and practical ways to protect themselves online; including the importance of avoiding conversations with strangers in digital spaces. The engagement encouraged the learners to an open dialogue and critical reflections, which reinforced the importance of shared responsibility in fostering safe, informed, and responsible digital citizens. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates

The Online Safety Curriculum Guideline (OSCG) for South African High Schools is available for Grades 8 to 12, providing structured, age-appropriate guidance that supports learners at every stage of their digital journey. Rooted in the importance of inclusivity in education, the guideline tool also includes a Braille edition designed specifically for teachers, ensuring that they are fully equipped to deliver online safety lessons in schools that support visually impaired learners. Through practical workshop sessions, teachers are making use of the OSCG, by working together in groups to develop engaging teaching strategies that make the curriculum easy to understand and impactful in the classroom. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates

Day 2 of the Online School Safety Workshop at St John College in Mthatha, Eastern Cape focuses on practical implementation and hands-on learning. Life Orientation subject advisors and teachers are engaging with real-life case studies on cyberbullying, online grooming, sextortion, exposure to harmful content, and the misuse of digital platforms; while unpacking reporting protocols and response strategies to strengthen how schools manage online violence. They will also be receiving guidance on integrating the Online Safety Curriculum Guidelines into their teaching, equipping learners to identify online risks, protect their personal information, and become responsible digital citizens. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates

According to UNICEF Disrupting Harm research, it states that: “Every year, up to 20% of children experience online sexual exploitation or abuse.” Against this sobering reality, the Online School Safety Integrated Workshops delivered powerful, action-driven insights for educators. Ms Mmaletjema Lekalakala of the Film and Publication Board unpacked practical prevention measures — from implementing the Online Safety Curriculum and strengthening incident reporting through SA-SAMS, to enforcing the Learner Code of Conduct and activating referral pathways to SAPS and social workers. Ms Siphokazi Novukuza from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies reinforced that while ICT access unlocks immense educational opportunities, it must be accompanied by awareness, supervision and digital responsibility. Ms Karen Walstra from Google demonstrated how secure, privacy-first digital platforms support schools in protecting learner data while enabling safe digital learning. Together, their impactful presentations empowered teachers with critical, practical knowledge; equipping them not only to understand online risks, but to actively prevent, identify and respond to them, strengthening safer digital learning environments across their schools. #KuzobaSafeEsgela #OnlineSafety #SchoolSafety #LifeOrientation #DigitalLiteracy #SafeToLearn #ProtectOurChildren #CyberSafety #EndViolence #GovZAUpdates