The Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture says it does not have a curriculum in which learners are taught to become homosexuals, as perceived by some segments of society.

A statement issued by the ministry's Executive Director, Sanet Steenkamp, comes after representatives of faith-based organisations and some citizens have alleged that the school curriculum teaches or promotes same-sex relationships in schools.

Steenkamp says the ministry's teaching does not favour or discriminate against learners on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

She says the curriculum is based on democracy, the rule of law, and non-discriminatory practises, coupled with an overall respect for human rights.

The ministry says life skills education offered to Grades 4 to 12 provides incremental, age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and scientifically grounded sexuality education.

The ministry says it promotes the teaching of tolerant, non-judgmental sexual reproductive health and rights education.