Understanding the BELA Bill
As of 13 September 2024, the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill has officially become law in South Africa. Many WhatsApp groups have sprung up to discuss its effects, but sadly, a lot of the shared information is inaccurate. We encourage parents to carefully distinguish facts from opinions and to verify the information they receive. Here’s what you need to know.
The key points
The BELA Bill does not outlaw homeschooling. Homeschooling has been a legal educational option since 1996 and will continue to be so, though it will now face tighter regulations.
Many of the rules in the BELA Bill are not new; they originate from laws and policies that have been in place for some time.
Registration: Once the Bill is published in the Government Gazette, parents will have 30 days to apply for homeschooling registration. If no response is received within 60 days, the application should be considered successful. Parents should keep proof of their application. The Bill also outlines an appeals process for cases where an application is denied or withdrawn.
Compulsory schooling: Grade R is now included as part of compulsory education. Compulsory schooling is not a new concept and has been part of South African law since 1910.
Alternative curricula: The BELA Bill does not ban the use of alternative curricula. Parents can continue to use options like the Cambridge curriculum or the United States GED, as long as they are recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as equivalent or comparable to the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
Assessments: The Bill requires students to be evaluated by a qualified assessor at the end of each educational phase (Grades 3, 6 and 9). This is not a new requirement; external assessments at these stages have been part of the National Curriculum since 2009. The assessments must meet the standards set by the National Curriculum.
Home visits: The provision for home visits has been removed from the BELA Bill. However, the Head of Department (HOD) may request a pre-registration meeting with parents, which does not have to take place in the home—it can be arranged in a public space like a coffee shop.
Online schooling: The BELA Bill does not specifically address online schooling. UMALUSI has confirmed that a framework for registering online schools is in the works. Students enroled in online schools, such as Think Digital Academy, can register as homeschoolers when completing their applications.
In summary, the BELA Bill brings some changes to the homeschooling landscape, but it does not change the fundamental right to educate children at home or through alternative methods. For parents and learners choosing online schooling, this remains an excellent option. The upcoming framework for online schools will likely offer even more clarity and support, ensuring that students continue to receive a high-quality education tailored to their needs.
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