{
  "id": 187372,
  "title": "WHY ARE WE WAITING?: DBE’s guidelines to protect LGBTQI+ pupils still not done after 7 years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/why-are-we-waiting-dbes-guidelines-to-protect-lgbtqi-pupils-still-not",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-05T19:32:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-08-05-dbes-guidelines-to-protect-lgbtqi-pupils-still-not-done-after-7-years/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Seven years have passed since the Department of Basic Education (DBE) launched guidelines aimed at safeguarding the rights of LGBTQI+ students in South Africa's schools. Despite the recent confirmation that the guidelines are nearing completion, the Social Inclusion in Education Working Group (SIWGW) has warned that the prolonged delay is causing significant harm to vulnerable children. The group stated that the absence of clear national directives has led to persistent bullying, social stigma, and institutional exclusion for LGBTQI+ learners, resulting in increased absenteeism, psychological distress, and early dropout rates.",
  "summary": "For seven years, the Department of Basic Education has kept long-awaited guidelines on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression and sex characteristics trapped in administrative drafting loops. The Social Inclusion in Education Working Group warns that government delays are driving vulnerable children out of classrooms, and one Western Cape School is already offering a practical blueprint…",
  "key_points": [
    "DBE launched LGBTQI+ guidelines seven years ago.",
    "SIWGW warns delay harms vulnerable students.",
    "Absenteeism, stigma, and dropout rates rise."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}