The Department of Basic Education was formed when the former National Department of Education was split into two Department of Basic Education and the Department of Higher Education and Training The DBE deals with all schools from Grade R to Grade 12, including adult literacy programmes The aim of the DBE is to develop, maintain and support a South African school education system for the 21st century Our vision is of a South Africa in which all our people will have access to lifelong learning, education and training opportunities, which will, in turn, contribute towards improving the quality of life and building a peaceful, prosperous and democratic South Africa.