Department of Basic Education

Vacancies

About the Department of Basic Education

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is the national government department responsible for schooling from Grade R to Grade 12 in South Africa. Its mandate is to ensure that every child has access to quality basic education and to improve learning outcomes across the country.

The DBE was formed in 2009, following the split of the former Department of Education into two separate ministries:

  • Department of Basic Education (DBE) – focuses on primary and secondary schooling.
  • Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) – focuses on universities, colleges, and skills training.

Mandate and Responsibilities

The DBE is tasked with:

  • Developing national policies on curriculum, assessment, and school management.
  • Overseeing the implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).
  • Managing national examinations, including the National Senior Certificate (NSC/Matric).
  • Supporting teacher development and professional training.
  • Running literacy and numeracy improvement programmes.
  • Coordinating school nutrition and safety programmes.
  • Monitoring performance through annual assessments and reporting.

National Programmes

Some of the DBE’s flagship initiatives include:

  • National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) – provides meals to learners to enhance learning.
  • Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme – funds students studying to become teachers in priority subjects.
  • Second Chance Matric Programme – supports learners who want to rewrite or upgrade matric results.
  • ICT in Education Programme – integrates digital technology in classrooms.

Department of Basic Education Contact Details

📍 Head Office Address:
Department of Basic Education
222 Struben Street, Pretoria
Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001
South Africa

📞 Telephone (Switchboard): +27 (0)12 357 3000

📠 Fax: +27 (0)12 323 0601

📧 Email (General Inquiries): info@dbe.gov.za

🌐 Website: www.education.gov.za

📱 Social Media:

Provincial Contacts

While the DBE oversees education nationally, each province has its own Provincial Department of Education responsible for managing schools, teachers, and learners at a local level (e.g., Gauteng Department of Education, Western Cape Education Department, etc.)