The Department of Basic Education’s (DBE’s) Life Skills and Life Orientation textbook series marks a transformative moment in South Africa’s education landscape. The launch of the state-owned, open-source At the Crossroads textbook series for Life Skills (Grades 4 to 6) and Life Orientation (Grades 7 to 12) took place at the DBE Conference Centre in Pretoria on 13 June 2025.
Dr Patricia Watson, Chief Director for Social Inclusion and Partnerships, explained the purpose of the event: “This month, we commemorate 49 years since the 1976 uprising that defines the annual commemoration of Youth Month in South Africa. This year’s theme, Skills for the Changing World: Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation, could not be more pertinent. In an era of rapid technological advancement and shifting global economies, we must equip our youth with the tools they need to thrive. Our tagline, Gear Up for Greatness, is not just a rallying cry; it is a call to action. The launch of the At the Crossroads series is a testament to this vision. These textbooks for Life Skills (Grades 4 to 6) and Life Orientation (Grades 7 to 12) are more than just learning materials; they are roadmaps to self-discovery and empowerment. Through carefully crafted lessons, learners will explore their talents, harness their strengths, and chart their own paths toward sustainable livelihoods. Whether through academic excellence, vocational training, or entrepreneurial ventures, these resources will help them navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and purpose. Together, we can ensure that every child in South Africa has the tools to Gear Up for Greatness”.
Speaking during the launch, Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule explained: “What makes the At the Crossroads textbook series truly revolutionary is how these textbooks intertwine knowledge with our national identity. These textbooks celebrate our diversity whilst fostering social cohesion; Tackle tough issues like substance abuse and gender-based violence with sensitivity; Prepare learners for the digital economy whilst grounding them in Ubuntu principles; developing 21st Century skills and competencies in learners’ home languages through the bookmarks, an innovative Mother-tongue-based multilingual pedagogical strategy. This is decolonised education in action, an education that speaks to our diverse contexts of learning and being while preparing our youth to confidently fulfil their responsibilities as global citizens”.
Dr Mhaule added that, “for intermediate-phase learners (in Grades 4 to 6), the Life Skills curriculum lays the foundation for emotional resilience, social cohesion and creative problem-solving. For our senior-phase and FET learners (in Grades 7 to 12), the Life Orientation textbooks address the urgent realities young people face: mental health struggles, career uncertainty, financial literacy gaps, and societal pressures. When a Grade 10 learner reads about consent or a Grade 12 learner explores entrepreneurship pathways, we are not just teaching, we are empowering”. She expressed her gratitude to the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) who managed the funding for the project, along with funding partners, the Road Traffic Management Corporation; the Road Accident Fund; the Railway Safety Regulator; the South African Human Rights Commission; the South African Sugar Association; Momentum Metropolitan Holdings; UNICEF; ESKOM; and Nestlé”.
Along with the textbooks, Deputy Minister Mhaule also launched a Call to Action: “The DBE calls upon Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) to advocate for the use of the textbooks and to monitor implementation. To our educators, you are the frontline nurturers of our learners’ growing minds. Through communities of practice, teachers are able to support one another to learn how best to use the textbooks. The Department looks forward to sharing in this learning journey and providing ongoing training to meet you at the crossroads of a truly refreshed and strengthened Life Skills and Life Orientation curriculum. To parents, the textbook series contains conversation starters about the real issues your children face. Engage with them. The homework assignments on budgeting or conflict resolution or rethinking harmful gender-norms are opportunities for family learning. To our learners, these are your life books. Your journey through these books is the first step toward writing South Africa’s next chapter”.