Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Solly Malatsi, this week, emphasised the critical role of educators as nation builders and highlighted the shared responsibility of government; schools; parents; communities; and technology platforms in protecting children from emerging digital risks. Minister Malatsi addressed delegates during the first day of the three-day Online Safety Integrated Programme Training Workshop that took place in the Western Cape Province from 11 to 13 August 2026, bringing together various partners to protect children and adolescents against online threats. As more learners navigate an increasingly connected digital world, it is essential to ensure that they can do so safely, responsibly and confidently.
The programme featured sessions led by Ms Neliswa Cekiso, Director for Child Protection; Mr Johannes Wedenig, Country Representative from UNICEF; Ms Mmaletjema Lekalakala from the Film and Publication Board; Ms Siphokazi Novukuza from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies; and Dr Karen Walstra from Google, covering child protection, online safety legislation, cybersecurity, digital footprints and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI); and Dr Ismail Teladia from the Western Cape Education Department. Through collaborative discussions and interactive sessions, participants explored practical ways to address online harms, strengthen digital literacy and equip children, parents and educators with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate an increasingly connected world safely and responsibly.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is strengthening the implementation of its Online Safety Integrated Programme, moving beyond awareness to practical action that safeguards learners and supports educators at school and district level. A key objective of the integrated workshops is to capacitate educators and subject advisors on the Online Safety Curriculum Guideline (OSCG) for Grades 8 to12, whilst strengthening their ability to identify and respond to digital harms such as cyberbullying; sexting; online grooming; and Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSEA). The programme also supports schools in strengthening ICT governance and e-Safety Guidelines, whilst equipping educators to help learners develop responsible digital footprints and safely navigate emerging technologies such as AI.
An Online Safety Integrated Programme Training Workshop for Grades 8 to 12 Life Orientation Educators was also held from 6 to 7 August 2026 in the Gauteng Johannesburg Region District and the final training workshop will be taking place in the KwaZulu-Natal Province from 17 to 20 August 2026. Mr Sammy Maraba from the DBE’s School Safety Directorate said that a review session of the entire programme would follow the completion of the provincial training workshops: “As we move towards district-level implementation, our responsibility is to ensure that the knowledge we have shared does not end with the workshops. Districts must be empowered to take this work forward, reach more schools and educators, whilst the Department continues to support, monitor and strengthen implementation. He added that the next step in the process will be the development of materials for the OSCG for Grades 4 to 7 in the Intermediate Phase”.
During these workshops, the Film and Publication Board addresses harmful online content, including Child Sexual Abuse Material; cyberbullying; hate speech; and the non-consensual sharing of images. Dr Walstra from Google addresses responsible technology use; digital citizenship; and the opportunities and risks associated with AI, whilst Mr Paseka Njobe from AGAPE Youth Movement, introduces the 4 Cs of online safety: content, contact, conduct and commerce as a practical framework for identifying and managing online risks.
As provincial workshops have been concluded, the district-level phase represents more than a continuation of the programme; it is a shift towards ownership. With continued support and monitoring from the DBE’s School Safety Directorate, districts are being equipped to take online safety further, reaching more educators, more schools and, ultimately, more learners.