South Africa, Pretoria - 13 September 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa with Deputy Minister of Basic Education Dr Makgabo Mhaule after signing the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law at the Union Buildings. File Picture: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers
Home education was legalised in South Africa under the South African Schools Act (SASA) in 1996. The new Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill does not aim to change this legislation, but to further guarantee that every child receives an education that is on par with what they would receive if they were in a public school.
Moreover, the provisions related to homeschooling are already incorporated in both the SASA of 1996 and the Home Education Policy of 2018.
The BELA Bill just adds more guidance, strengthening the perception of homeschooling in the education sector.
The biggest change is that the BELA Bill proposes making Grade R the new compulsory school starting age instead of Grade 1.
While it remains to be seen how the government will carry out the new legislation when it comes to funding, admin and capacity in public schools, homeschoolers can easily start teaching their children relevant curriculum from Grade R.
On the often debated issue of the curriculum requirements for homeschooling – just like the current Schools Act (SASA), the BELA Bill provides that the curriculum followed must at least be equal in standard to the National Curriculum of SA.
Curriculum providers (such as the highly rated Impaq) make it easy for parents to meet these requirements as they provide lesson material in English and Afrikaans, in line with the National Curriculum.
Impaq also has competent assessors who can assist with assessing learners annually or at the end of each phase.
The BELA Bill, in line with the current Act (SASA) also requires that parents register their children for home education from Grade R with the Head of the Provincial Education Department (PED), which can be done online.
Regulations are more stringent for learners in grade 10-12 and who wish to obtain the National Senior Certificate (better known as matric or the NSC). It is required that they complete their schooling with an education provider that is registered with the assessment body responsible for the conduct of the final NSC examination.
Impaq is one such education provider, which is registered with the examination board, SACAI, which is accredited and moderated by Umalusi.
Speaking on SAfm Radio, Biki Lepota, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communications at Umalusi has said it is important that parents do due diligence to ensure that online institutions where they enrol their children are registered with the Head of the relevant PED.
They must also ensure such institutions are granted concession to administer NSC examinations under either the Independent Board of Examinations (IEB) or South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), which are accredited by Umalusi.
To check the accreditation status of institutions who provide homeschooling, individuals are encouraged to contact either IEB or SACAI and verify, before enrolment.
IOL