In the last of a series of three dialogues, the DBE shared the draft Articulation Policy and Framework for the Three Stream Model (TSM) in the South African education system at Protea Hotel Marriot Fire and Ice in Menlyn, Pretoria, on 18 June 2025. The draft Articulation Policy is a national strategic and pivotal policy, which seeks to advance articulation into and through general and further education and training into higher education and/or the world of work. The purpose of this initiative is to ensure existing learning pathways are functional and to eliminate dead ends, articulation blockages and to ensure all learning pathways are future-fit.

The Acting Chief Director for Curriculum Implementation and Monitoring, Ms Cheryl Weston, outlined the purpose of the final TSM Articulation Workshop, as an opportunity to share findings of the Research Report and share the draft Articulation Policy and Implementation framework for deeper engagement and guidance.

In her presentation, Dr Shirley Lloyd, the lead researcher through the Education for Employability (E4E) programme indicated that there was growing recognition and focus in the wider ecosystem of the need to adapt the school curriculum from one which has a largely academic focus to a curriculum comprising academic, vocational and occupational learning pathways. “The study has revealed the importance of inclusive education, ensuring that neurodivergent individuals and learners with disabilities are intentionally included in any developments in schooling sector and create access to learning opportunities which lead to higher education and the world of work. The study has also revealed the importance of political awareness of the need for a lifelong learning journey for all, and vastly improved access and articulation opportunities for youth and adult learners”.

Various academics and education experts shared valuable insights during the workshop. These include Mr Andreas Scott, from Lead Key Expert from the E4E programme, who made his inputs on Policy Dialogues as a mechanism within the SA-EU Agreement Strategic Framework. Ms Weston reflected on the conceptual journey of the Articulation Framework since conceptualisation of the TSM.  Other experts that participated in the dialogue included members of the Transversal Task Team, representing various education institutions such as the Department of Higher Education and Training; the Quality Council for General and Further Education and Training, Umalusi; the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO); Council for Higher Education (CHE); South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA); and South African Council of Educators (SACE); labour representatives; and key experts in the field of articulation were amongst key participants in the workshop. The workshop was facilitated by Mr Tinti Rabotapi, Acting Deputy Director-General for Teacher Development.

In her presentation, Ms Weston highlighted that multiple learning pathways will enable greater learner choices in pursuance of the National Senior Certificate (NSC), which was registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). “The Framework must articulate with the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sub-system. The TSM curriculum provides learners with multiple, equivalent learning pathways to fulfil their potential and contribute meaningfully to society. It caters for different career aspirations, learning abilities and increases the model, quality and type of access to quality education through increasing learner access to Vocational and Occupationally oriented subjects at public ordinary schools and school of skills. The Articulation policy aims to ensure a smoother transition for learners from basic education, to post school education including higher learning institutions and the world of work, as well as occupationally specific pathways such as learnerships etc. The draft policy will now be consulted on with wider stakeholders to ensure systemic articulation in the sector”.