Abstract:
Post-apartheid, South Africa democratised access to education as enshrined in the country’s
Constitutional Bill of Rights of 1996. This also includes making education accessible to pregnant teenagers as
provided for by other post-apartheid legal provisions that prohibit discrimination in education. This study explored
the perceptions of education policy duty bearers on the inclusion of pregnant learners in formal schools. The
sample of the study comprised teachers, community representatives in school governing bodies (SGB), and parents
of pregnant teenagers at two schools that mainstreamed pregnant learners. Data were analysed using Atlas ti
computer package which was programmed to code and quote participants’ views. Results of the study revealed that
socio-cultural gender ideologies were the more influential variables on participants’ negative perceptions towards
the inclusion of pregnant learners in regular schools. From the findings, we recommend that comprehensive structures
and procedures for policy dialogue and advocacy be established in schools.
