Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
– Nelson Mandela
For many South African families, that weapon is becoming harder to access.
With the cost of living rising and traditional education becoming increasingly unaffordable, many families are reevaluating their options. More parents are turning to Online CAPS Homeschool, not out of preference, but out of necessity.
This growing trend highlights a deeper issue.
The Hidden Crisis in Education Costs
The July 2025 Household Affordability Index by PMBEJD indicates that the average food basket now costs R5,309.16, a 10.7% year-over-year increase.
Middle-income families are feeling the pressure of flat salaries and higher school fees. It’s understandable that many parents are starting to ask difficult questions:
- Can we still afford private school next year?
- What’s the point of paying thousands per term if our child is falling behind?
- Is there an option that is both affordable and academically solid?
This is where CAPS-aligned online homeschooling steps in as a solution.
But what exactly does Online CAPS Homeschooling mean?
Let’s clarify what we mean.
CAPS stands for Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement, which is South Africa’s national curriculum. An Online CAPS Homeschool programme uses this curriculum and delivers it in a digital, more flexible way.
The goal is to make structured, quality learning more accessible and manageable for families, not to replace education.
Why More Families Are Making the Shift
Here are six reasons why this model appeals to many working-class and middle-income parents:
1. Significant Cost Savings Without Sacrificing Standards
Compare this:
fees current as of 5th August 2025
Now compare that to mainstream private school fees in South Africa, which easily exceed R7,000–R12,000 per month, depending on the grade and city.
With CambriLearn, a parent of a Grade 7 student could save over R30,000 per year, even on the Premium plan, all while receiving full academic support, live lessons, and 1:1 teacher chats.
View CambriLearn CAPS pricing here
2. Designed for Real Life, Not Just the Classroom
Online delivery makes CAPS flexible: if you miss a day, simply catch up; if you need to relocate, learning continues; and multiple kids can each learn at their own pace.
- Need to move provinces or cities? Learning continues uninterrupted.
- Multiple children at home? Each child learns at their own pace.
This approach gives parents more control, especially for those managing shift work, transport issues, or tight budgets. It provides continuity in a fragile system.
The public education system is facing serious challenges.
Overcrowded classrooms, poor infrastructure, and teacher shortages mean students can go without desks or miss weeks of learning due to strikes.
Online CAPS homeschooling platforms, such as CambriLearn, help students maintain steady progress.
- Live and recorded lessons
- Marked assignments
- Weekly academic reports
- With direct teacher chats, live and recorded lessons, marked assignments, and weekly academic reports, it’s a genuine school experience delivered online.
4. Curriculum Familiarity With More Support
Many parents like the CAPS curriculum because it follows the South African National Curriculum. It’s familiar, proven, and accepted.
Learning CAPS at home doesn’t mean you have to manage everything on your own.
Platforms like CambriLearn offer:
- Interactive content with audio-visual elements
- Weekly live classes
- Assessment tracking
- Parent dashboards
- Feedback loops to improve learner performance
This support lightens parents’ load and ensures high-quality education.
5. Real Teachers, Real Feedback, Real Community
Let’s address a concern many parents have: “Will my child feel isolated?”
Here’s what modern online CAPS homeschool solutions offer:
- Regular group classes to connect with peers
- Subject-specific forums and study groups
- Access to full-time teachers (not just content)
- Exam prep and mock assessments with human feedback
Students stay connected and supported throughout their learning.
6. Tailored Packages for Different Budgets. CambriLearn stands out because you can choose a plan that matches your needs and your budget.
- Starter: Content and assessments, great for parents who want more control
- Standard: Includes teacher support and live lessons
- Premium: Fully guided with live Q&As, 1:1 teacher access, mock prep
Who Is Online CAPS Homeschooling Really For?
We’ve worked with thousands of parents, and here’s what we’ve seen.
Online CAPS homeschooling is ideal if:
- Your child is falling through the cracks in a big classroom
- You’ve moved cities or provinces and want continuity
- You’re worried about bullying, safety, or negative school culture
- You want to be more involved in your child’s education
- You need a credible, structured option that doesn’t break the bank
- Or you just want top-class private education at an affordable price
You don’t need to turn your kitchen into a school. With the right platform, your home can foster long-term success.
According to the PMBEJD, households are already sacrificing essentials like transport and food just to keep school fees paid.
In their July 2025 report:
- 62% of surveyed households said they had to reduce protein and fresh produce intake to manage education costs
- 1 in 5 parents said they were actively exploring online or homeschooling options due to affordability
- 71% of households with children aged 6–18 said school transport was a major monthly cost driver
These are not isolated issues, they reflect a larger, ongoing challenge. So, how can families bridge the gap?
When it seems like you have to choose between affordability and academic performance, Online CAPS Homeschooling offers a balanced solution.
With CambriLearn, parents no longer have to choose between:
- Cost and quality
- Flexibility and structure
- Safety and socialisation
With this approach, you can have all three.
And CambriLearn is SACAI-registered, giving you piece of mind that your child is learning curriculum that is aligned with the national curriulum standards.
CAPS Online Homeschooling
For South African parents navigating economic pressure, unreliable public services, and rising school fees, it’s no longer just about finding a school.
It’s about finding what works best for your child, your family, and your budget.
CambriLearn’s Online CAPS Homeschool solution is designed for real families and delivers real results.
