21/08/2026
*PAM = Personnel Administrative Measures*
That’s the South African Department of Education document that sets rules for public schools, including *learner discipline*.
*Code of Conduct for Learners - According to PAM + South African Schools Act*
Here are the key parts PAM and the Schools Act expect every public school to include:
*1. General Principles*
- Every learner has a right to education in a safe, disciplined environment
- The code must promote self-discipline, respect, and responsibility
- Must be developed with learners, parents, SGB, and staff
*2. Learner Responsibilities*
- *Attend school regularly and on time*
- *Come prepared* with books, homework, and equipment
- *Respect the rights of others* - no bullying, harassment, discrimination
- *Respect school property* and the property of others
- *Obey lawful instructions* from teachers and school staff
- *Adhere to school uniform and appearance policy*
- *Behave appropriately* in class, on school grounds, and at school activities
*3. Prohibited Conduct*
- Possession/use of drugs, alcohol, ci******es, dangerous weapons
- Fighting, assault, sexual harassment
- Cheating, plagiarism, forgery
- Vandalism, theft
- Disruption of learning
- Cyberbullying or misuse of cellphones during school time
*4. Disciplinary Process - PAM compliant*
Schools must follow *fair procedure*:
1. *Investigation* of the incident
2. *Hearing* where the learner can state their case
3. *Sanctions* must be progressive: counseling → verbal warning → written warning → detention → suspension → expulsion.
Expulsion can only be done by the SGB + Head of Department approval.
*5. Rights of Learners*
- Right to be heard
- Right to dignity
- Right to education even during discipline
- No corporal punishment
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