News

The Child Safeguarding Sub-Committee of the National Catholic Board of Education (NCBE) is concerned about some important issues with reference to Child Safeguarding in Catholic schools.

We have become increasingly concerned that schools, while trying to do the correct thing, continue to struggle with what is required by the Child Safeguarding Policy of the NCBE and the laws of South Africa in keeping every child safe. This policy is compulsory for ALL schools and has certain requirements. It is currently undergoing its 3^rd revision, which should be completed by the 4^th Term of 2025.

A delegation of the National Catholic Board of Education (NCBE) and CIE met with Minister Gwarube on 9 April to introduce the Catholic education network and discuss issues that continue to affect the schools in the different provinces.

Celebrate 40 years of CIE and attend the 14th Bishop Hans Brenninkmeijer Memorial Lecture virtually on Monday the 23rd of June 2025, by clicking the following link: http://bit.ly/43LxRE1

The International Office for Catholic Education (Office International de l'Enseignment Catholique, OIEC) has issued a booklet in gratitude for the life and work of Pope Francis. Read more and download a copy here.

The National Catholic Board of Education (NCBE) welcomes the passing of the 2025 budget and commends the government for increasing the Basic Education allocation from R325 billion to R347 billion – a 6.7% nominal increase, representing a 2.6% real increase after inflation. While this marks the most substantial basic education increase in recent years, it follows a decade of underfunding during which per-learner expenditure has declined in real terms.

CIE has been around for 40 years, and this year's Bishop Hans Brenninkmeijer Memorial Lecture, delivered by renowned educationalist and Catholic school alumnus Mr Sizwe Nxasana, gives us an opportunity to celebrate this milestone together.

When you download these handy explainers, it's easier to understand the work that CIE does with the Building Peaceful Schools programme, and with the School Climate Surveys for Learners.

CIE in partnership with St Mary’s Catholic University from England. The university has offered the course to us at a discounted price. This is an ideal opportunity to further the understanding of leading a Catholic school.

Today, and on various days during the month of October and November 2023, many Catholic Schools around South Africa will be taking part in the Leave Your Print Campaign.

In September 2019 the Congress delegates returned to their regions with an invigorated vision for Catholic Education. The time thereafter was dedicated to harvesting, summarising and articulating the submissions made at Congress.  

Join South Africa's Catholic Schools this October as we raise money and awareness for schools in need with the 'Leave Your Print 2020' campaign.  

Please see the below comment from the Chairperson and President of the Catholic Board of Education on the subject of racism in schools.

On the eve of the reopening of schools, Sr Kathy Gaylor wrote to principals and staff on behalf of the Catholic Board of Education. She recognised the vulnerability we feel, but spoke of the care and courage we can offer to each other – and the importance of hope. This letter is worth reading again – perhaps
as each set of learners return to school, particularly as we enter the ‘surge’ phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As we look to reopen schools, as safely as we can, we think about these first few days: Face masks. Frequent handwashing. Physical distance. And we consider the state of our hearts: some joy at seeing each other after a long time; relief to be back at school and teaching or otherwise working; a sense of pressure to make up for ‘lost time’; worry as Covid-19 continues to move through our nation. It’s likely a mix of all of these – and more. 

Fr Laurence Freeman, director and spiritual leader of the World Community for Christian Meditation will be in South Africa from 5-16 September this year dividing his time between Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.

Members from the Catholic education network from across the country will gather in Johannesburg in September for Catholic education - like all education - needs to properly prepare pupils for the 21^st century. 

Well done and thank you to all the schools that participated in this year's Leave Your Print Campaign!

It is compulsory for all learners who enrol at skills centres affiliated with the CIE Thabiso Skills Institute to attend a Life Skills Programme before they participate in any hard or soft skills programmes.

Minister Naledi Pandor welcomed the SACBC

delegation and affirmed the role of religious communities who have
played and continue to play a significant role in delivering quality
education in South Africa. She confirmed that the DHET would like to
draw on the skills and expertise available as well as the lessons
learned.

Janice Seland Director of the CIE and Fr Peter John Pearson from Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office were invited to attend the Minister’s Budget Vote Speech in Parliament.