National symposium on learner participation starts in Gauteng

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is currently hosting a significant two-day event, the National Symposium on Advancing Learner Participation through the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) in Secondary Schools. This important symposium, taking place on 2 and 3 October 2025 in Benoni, Gauteng, aims to bring together various education partners to discuss and improve how learners can actively participate in their school communities.

Key details of the symposium

• Event: The National Symposium on Advancing Learner Participation through the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) in Secondary Schools.
• Dates: 2 October 2025 and 3 October 2025 (a two-day event).
• Location: Benoni, Gauteng province.
• Organiser: The South African Department of Basic Education (DBE).
• Purpose: To enhance learner participation and strengthen the role of Representative Council of Learners (RCLs) in secondary schools.
• Participants: Education stakeholders, including representatives from the education sector, school leaders, and learners themselves, gather to share ideas and best practices.

Advancing learner participation in our schools

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) believes strongly that every learner should have a voice in their school. That is why we are hosting the National Symposium on Advancing Learner Participation through the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) in Secondary Schools. This important gathering, held on 2 and 3 October 2025 in Benoni, Gauteng, highlights our commitment to building a more democratic and inclusive education system.

The symposium brings together various people involved in education, including teachers, school principals, district officials, and of course, the learners themselves. Over these two days, discussions will focus on how to make RCLs more effective in schools. RCLs are crucial as they represent the learners’ interests and help to bridge the gap between students and school management. They allow learners to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to decisions that affect their learning environment and overall school experience.

Our goal with this symposium is to share good examples of how RCLs are already working well and to find new ways to help them grow even stronger. We want to make sure that learners understand their rights and responsibilities within the school community and that they feel empowered to take on leadership roles. By strengthening RCLs, we are not only improving school governance but also teaching our young people valuable lessons in democracy, leadership, and active citizenship. For more details on our work, please visit the Department of Basic Education website.

The DBE is dedicated to supporting schools in establishing and maintaining effective RCLs. We believe that when learners are actively involved in their schools, they become more engaged in their education, leading to better academic outcomes and a more positive school atmosphere for everyone. You can also find out about more departmental activities here.

Questions and answers for the public

1. What is this symposium about?
   It’s about helping learners get more involved in their secondary schools, especially through their Representative Council of Learners (RCLs).
2. Who organised this event?
   The South African Department of Basic Education (DBE) is the organiser of this national symposium.
3. When and where is the symposium taking place?
   It is happening on 2 and 3 October 2025 in Benoni, Gauteng province.
4. What does RCL stand for?
   RCL stands for Representative Council of Learners. These are groups of learners elected by their peers to represent them in school matters.
5. Why are RCLs important for schools?
   RCLs give learners a voice, allowing them to share their ideas and concerns with school management. They help to make schools more democratic and improve communication between students and staff.
6. How can a learner get involved in their school’s RCL?
   Learners typically get involved by running for elections held at their school. If elected, they become representatives for their class or grade.
7. What does the DBE hope to achieve with this symposium?
   The DBE hopes to strengthen RCLs across the country, improve learner participation in school governance, and share best practices to make learner representation more effective.
8. How does this benefit the learners and the school community?
   It benefits learners by empowering them with leadership skills and a platform to express their views, which can lead to better school policies and a more positive learning environment for everyone.