BELA went live in Christmas Eve gazette, pressure now on Gwarube

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Compulsory Grade R attendance: Grade R, or the Reception Year, is now mandatory for learners starting at age six.

This foundational step is intended to enhance early childhood education outcomes.

South Africa has a new education law: some love it, some hate it – education expert explains why

Wayne Hugo  26 Sep 2024

South African Sign Language gains official recognition: South African Sign Language has been granted the status of an official language for learning in public schools, ensuring greater inclusivity for learners with hearing impairments.

Strengthened parental obligations: Parents are now legally required to ensure their children’s attendance in school.

Failing to comply, or providing falsified documentation during admissions, is an offence punishable by fines or up to 12 months' imprisonment.

Prohibition of harmful practices: Corporal punishment, initiation practices, and other harmful disciplinary measures have been explicitly banned in all public schools, ensuring a safer environment for learners.

Admission oversight by Head of Department: Provincial Heads of Department (HoDs) have been empowered to: finalise school admissions after consulting with governing bodies, and direct schools to adopt additional languages of instruction where practical and ensure the necessary resources are provided.

Centralised procurement for learning materials: To standardise education resources, the Department of Basic Education will oversee the centralised procurement of textbooks and other learning materials.

Governance accountability: School governing bodies must now submit quarterly financial reports.

Additionally, HoDs have the authority to dissolve non-performing governing bodies under specific conditions.

Regulated home education: There are now clearly established guidelines for home schooling, ensuring that learners in alternative education setups meet national standards.

Inclusive codes of conduct: Schools must consider the cultural, religious, and medical circumstances of learners in their codes of conduct.

Disciplinary actions must be age-appropriate and prioritise the best interests of the child.

Support for language diversity: Public schools instructed to provide additional language tuition must be equipped with educators and teaching materials, supported by the provincial department.

These changes, effective immediately, signal a renewed commitment to enhancing the quality and inclusivity of South Africa’s education system.

While implementation has caused controversy, these reforms set the stage for significant progress in the country’s schooling landscape.