DBE moves to clarify circular about teachers who wonât vaccinate By Chulumanco Mahamba Share Johannesburg - The Department of Basic Education (DBE) moved to clarify a circular sent to schools this week, saying it did not seek to compel teaching and non-teaching staff to be vaccinated. On Monday, The Star reported that a circular which director-general Mathanzima Mweli sent to schools said the department reserved its right to âdealâ with teachers choosing not to vaccinate on constitutional, medical, religious and cultural grounds. Basil Manuel, executive director of the National Professional Teachersâ Organisation of SA (Naptosa), told The Star that the department was basically threatening to axe teachers choosing to exercise their constitutional right not to vaccinate.