The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill has officially become law in South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Bill on September 13, 2024. While many social media groups have emerged to discuss its impact, it's important to note that some of the information may not be 100% accurate and needs to be clarified. We aim to provide you with the most reliable and up-to-date information.
You can easily access the full text of the BELA bill by downloading it here.
In this article, we will share some of the pertinent facts you need to know with regard to the implementation of the BELA Bill.
What is the BELA BILL?
The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill is legislation in South Africa that aims to update and amend existing laws governing basic education, primarily the South African Schools Act of 1996 and the Employment of Educators Act of 1998.
The BELA Bill seeks to introduce various changes to improve and regulate the country's education system, with specific implications for areas such as homeschooling in South Africa, compulsory schooling, language policies, and school governance.
Key aspects of the BELA Bill in South Africa
Homeschooling Regulations
Homeschooling is legal in South Africa, and as a parent, whether a South African national or visiting expatriate, you can choose a curriculum that suits your child’s educational needs, provided it meets the minimum requirements outlined in the SA Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).
The Bill maintains the legality of homeschooling in South Africa, which has existed since 1996. However, it introduces tighter regulations, such as mandatory registration with the Department of Education.
Parents must apply for homeschooling within 30 days of the Bill's publication in the Government Gazette. The application is considered successful if no response is received within 60 days.
Compulsory Schooling
One significant change introduced by the BELA Bill is the inclusion of Grade R (reception year) in compulsory schooling. This extends the mandatory schooling period, which has been part of South African law since 1910. This means that children will now be required to attend school from an earlier age.
CambriLearn, an international online school and homeschooling support service, offers Grade R as part of its extensive curriculum. This curriculum is aimed at children between the ages of 5 and 6.
Language Policies in Schools
The BELA Bill shifts more control of school language policies from school governing bodies to provincial education departments, intending to promote multilingualism and inclusivity. This could affect schools' decisions about the language of instruction.
Admission Policies
Similar to language policies, the Bill also gives provincial education departments more oversight in setting school admission policies, potentially limiting the autonomy of school governing bodies.
Assessments and Qualifications
The Bill emphasises that qualified assessors must assess learners at the end of each educational phase (Grades 3, 6, and 9), aligning with existing national curriculum requirements.
School Governing Bodies
The BELA Bill seeks to limit the power of school governing bodies, particularly regarding critical decisions such as teacher appointments and the governance of public schools. This is seen as a move to centralise education governance under the Department of Education.
Home Visits and Pre-Registration Meetings
While earlier drafts included provisions for home visits to monitor homeschooling, the final version removed this requirement. However, the Head of Department (HOD) may request a pre-registration meeting with homeschooling parents, which can take place in a public setting.
The BELA Bill has sparked significant public debate, especially around parental rights in education, homeschooling regulations, and the role of school governing bodies. It aims to modernise education law but also raises concerns about potential overregulation and the centralisation of educational authority.
Ensuring Accreditation
CambriLearn is an internationally accredited online school that provides a flexible learning environment, supporting children throughout their homeschooling journey.
As a reputable international online school and homeschooling support service, CambriLearn is a Cognia-accredited online school and one of the world’s largest teacher-led accreditation bodies. Students graduating from Cognia-accredited schools are recognised as the best schools and universities worldwide.
CambriLearn is also a SACAI-registered online school, so we can accept Grade 12 students as of the 2024 school year and beyond.
Why Choose CambriLearn?
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum covers all subjects required by the National Curriculum, ensuring your child receives a well-rounded education.
- Flexibility: CambriLearn's online platform allows you to learn at your own pace and schedule, providing a personalised learning experience.
- Qualified Teachers: Our experienced teachers are dedicated to helping your child succeed.
- Support Services: We offer various support services, including assessments, counselling, administrative assistance, and homeschooling advice.
By choosing CambriLearn, you can be confident that your child is receiving a quality education that meets the highest standards while enjoying the flexibility and benefits of homeschooling.
*Please note: President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Bela Bill on September 13, 2024, but has delayed the implementation date for clauses 4 and 5 by three months. The basic education minister, Siviwe Gwarube, and the DA, a partner of the Government of National Unity (GNU), asked for further discussions on contentious clauses in parliament before implementation.
