Introduction
I would like to thank Annerine Wenhold, from Kairos Acadamy, for compiling this excellent blog with clear steps for registration. I have asked her permission to reproduce her blog and make it available to families outside of Kairos Acadamy.
“Change is the only constant in life.” – Heraclitus
As many of you know, the BELA Bill has been a topic of ongoing debate for the last decade. On September 13, 2024, President Ramaphosa signed it into law, with the exclusion of clauses 4 and 5—which do not impact homeschoolers. While these changes bring a few adjustments, the path ahead for home education is clearer than ever. I’m here to provide key insights and reassurance, so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
For families who value integrity, staying informed and operating within the law, is a priority. The BELA Bill reaffirms homeschooling as a recognized and credible form of education, solidifying the importance of the work we do. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for us as homeschooling families and how we can continue to thrive under the new regulations.
Key Information for us a Home Educators
Consider the following key information:
1. Implementation
The BELA Bill is now law and was published in the Government Gazette on 16 September 2024. So, according to this, homeschool parents have 30 days to register their children to homeschool next year, 2025. But early reports have said that the Gauteng Departement of Education asked homeschoolers to wait until October before register for next year. It seems that their admin was already overwhelmed with applicants.
It’s difficult to know how strict they will be with those 30 days, but they were declining applications for the first 14 days of that time!
2. Applicability
Important! The Bill only applies to learners from age 6 to 15 (or Grade R-9), with compulsory attendance in this age group. The new law also enforces penalties for those preventing learners from receiving an education, underscoring the importance of equal education opportunities for all children.
3. Registration Requirement
Once the Bill is published, registration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) becomes compulsory for Grades R-9 learners. Parents will have 30 days to apply for registration.
4. Regulation of Home Education
While the main focus of the BELA Bill is on traditional schooling, its inclusion of homeschooling adds a layer of credibility to our loved and well-established educational pathway. This formal recognition affirms that homeschooling is a valid and respected choice in South Africa. So, yes! Home education remains a legal and valid option, with parents retaining full responsibility for their child’s education if they choose this route.
5. Curriculum Flexibility
The law allows for the continued use of alternative curricula, which means families can tailor their learning plans while meeting minimum CAPS requirements. To understand CAPS requirements, one can read their very detailed document on the Department of Education’s website. Or easier still, one can have a look at their Assessments, follow this link to view the assessments given on their website. National Assessments (education.gov.za)
Homeshool parents can use these assessments as a tool to measure how their child is performing and/or learning in relation to CAPS. Without giving their children unnecessary stress and regular tests, parents can be aware of the content of these assessments and make sure the curriculum they are using does cover the things in the assessment.
6. Assessment Requirements
Learners must be assessed by a competent assessor at the end of each phase (Grades 3, 6, and 9). This requirement has been in place since 2009 – so nothing new – and we’ll keep you updated on any new developments about the practical application of this requirement.
7. Home Visits Removed
Further good news is that home visits have been removed from the BELA Bill. If deemed needed, the HOD may request a pre-registration consultation which can take place at a public venue and not at your home.
8. Legal Defense
The Pestalozzi Trust is “a registered public benefit organisation that supports its members when they come into conflict with the authorities in connection with their homeschooling.” We strongly recommend registering with them if you have not done so yet, as they have allocated funds to assist families with the implementation of the Bill, should the need arise. Join – Pestalozzi Trust
Registration Process for 6–15-year-old Students
As highlighted above, if you have children in the 6-15 age bracket, registration with the DBE is now mandatory. Here’s an overview of their process as presently outlined:
1. Who Needs to Register?
Students in Grades R through Grade 9 must be registered with the DBE. Registration and re-registration are required at the start of each phase:
- Foundation Phase (Grades R-3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6)
- Senior Phase (Grades 7-9)
2. Cost
Registration is completely free.
3. Timing
Your choice. You may wait until the law is officially gazetted, or do it now. Once published in the Government Gazette, you’ll have 30 days to submit your application. If there’s no response from the DBE on your application within 60 days, the application is considered successful. Keep your emails as proof of submission, for future reference.
4. Curriculum Requirements
Continue using your current curriculum, provided it meets the CAPS Standards.
5. Submitting Your Application
After completing your application form, email it along with any required documents to your province’s Home Education Coordinator. Note that each province has its own specific application form: DBE Home Education. Further details on the registration documentation are below.
6. Appeal Process
If your application is unsuccessful, don’t be discouraged! The Bill outlines a clear and structured appeal process, giving you a second chance to make your case. For those who are members of Pestalozzi Trust, we encourage you to reach out to them as soon as possible for support, as prompt action is key to navigating the appeal process successfully.
7. Registration Documentation
To set you up for success, here’s everything you’ll need for your DBE’s Home Education registration.
| Documentation for registration | |
| 1 | A certified copy of the learner’s birth certificate |
| 2 | A certified copy of the learner’s last school report signed by the principal (if applicable) |
| 3 | Certified copy of the parent’s ID (In case of foreign nationals certified copies of passport /study permit/work permit/Asylum document is required.) |
| 4 | Certified copy of the transfer certificate from previous school (if Applicable) |
| 5 | In case of a learner with special needs, attach a certified copy of the assessment document or a referral letter from the medical practitioner. |
| 6 | Motivation why the parent wishes the learner to be educated at home. You may use this template motivation-for-home-education – Copy.docx |
| 7 | Full details of the educational program (subjects, teaching hours per subject, assessment, extra mural activities, excursions, library, program use of tutor). Including: |
| 7.1 | Weekly timetable which includes contact time per day |
| 7.2 | Breakdown of terms per year (196 days per year) |
8. Recordkeeping
Maintaining proper records is a requirement under the new Bill. This includes planning, work records (including assessments), and reports from the curriculum you use or educational experts you may consult with, which collectively form your child’s “portfolio.” Staying organized—whether through physical files or an easy-to-manage electronic system by grade and subject—will not only support your daily educational activities but also make meeting the DBE reporting requirements a breeze!
| No | Recordkeeping | |
| 1 | Attendance record | Mark off on a calendar the days you take as holiday, and sick days. The rest are learning days. We understand that for younger grades, ‘contact’ learning can happen organically and don’t look exactly like public school days. Most school children attend 196 days of school. Yours may be near that number, not necessarily exactly that number. |
| 2 | Up-to-date records of the child’s progress. | This may look different for every family. It is simply the work your child is doing in a book or in a file. Keep these for at least two years. |
| 3 | Portfolio of the educational support given to the child. | Your own record keeping. This is a reminder to mark your child’s work and be aware of their progress. Be aware of that which they are struggling with and that which needs to be explained again. And, yes, you can use a tutor, but as a registered home schooler, a tutor must only be used for specific subjects/areas and should not replace the parent’s responsibility to provide for the education of their child. |
| 4 | Evidence of the continuous assessment of the child’s work. | |
| 5 | Evidence of the assessment and or examination at the end of each year. | |
| 6 | Evidence at the end of Grades 3,6 and 9, shows whether your child has achieved the outcomes for these grades. | At the end of each Phase (Grades 3, 6, and 9), a SACE-certified teacher needs to evaluate your child’s formal assessments. This is typically in the form of a letter reporting their findings with an attached copy of their SACE certificate. |
Conclusion
While the BELA Bill brings changes, it also cements homeschooling as a trusted and respected choice in South Africa.
Let’s embrace these changes as opportunities for growth—together, we’ve got this!
*Disclaimer
This blog reflects personal opinions and offers supporting resources, but it is not intended to give legal advice. The information shared is based on available resources at the time of publication and may change over time. Readers are encouraged to consult relevant professionals for specific legal guidance.
