Important BELA Act Feedback for Home Educators
Home educating parents have been in a bit of a predicament since the passing of the BELA Act in mid-September. Social media has been buzzing with questions and conversations about how home educating parents should respond to this problematic new legislation. Western Cape homeschoolers can take a deep breath and sigh with relief, knowing that the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is continuing with “business as usual”. “You can register later,” they have said, reports Cape Home Educators, following a recent meeting with official from the WCED.
[You can read the relevant clauses pertaining to home education in the BELA Act and SA Schools Act at Homeschool Laws in South Africa.]
The information which follows on this page was provided by Cape Home Educators on 27 September 2024, following a meeting on 25 September of the Western Cape Joint Liaison Committee which includes representatives from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to discuss the implementation of the BELA Act and its effects on home educators. Home educators had many questions and concerns.
What is the Western Cape Joint Liaison Committee (WCJLC)?
For those who are unfamiliar with what the WCJLC is, it is a committee where the Western Cape Education Department and Home Educators and stakeholders meet. These meetings are scheduled quarterly and the WCJLC’s Objectives (taken from its Constitution) are:
• to consider and develop joint positions on issues of concern to the home education sector;
• to represent the collective interests / mutually agreed positions of its members who have an interest in home education in the Western Cape; and
• to liaise, consult or negotiate on such issues with the other provincial and national education authorities, institutions of higher education and relevant stakeholders with interests in pre-primary, primary, secondary and pre-tertiary education.
• Until legislation makes provision for various forms of collaborative and institutional education beyond the confines of the law, representatives from those sectors can also participate in the JLC.
Herewith, the most important takeaway from the meeting:
WCED will continue with its “business as usual,”
- Consultations will be telephonic (with immediate implementation) NO HOME VISITS
- No need to worry about the 30 days to register, the WCED will accommodate all applications without prosecution.
“You can apply when you are ready, no deadline, don’t be scared. You may register later.” - What will happen if the WCED finds out that you have not registered?
The WCED’s district official will be activated to get in contact with you and help you with the application.
Mr. Louw stressed his desire to work FOR families, and that families should only register for 2025. (2024 registrations are closed.)
[Mr. Deon Louw is the Deputy Director, Department of Education, Western Cape Government]
Join Cape Home Educators (free) to stay updated
If you would like to join CHE, go to their website.
On the menubar: Click Join CHE and subscribe.
Membership is free, but you need to read and agree to the Constitution.
You will be kept informed of developments with the Department of Education, receive invitations to our AGM and get notified of all our events via our email list. This may include information on the educational expo and athletics days.
More Details at the Cape Town Homeschool Expo on 12 October
Please visit the EduXplore Cape Town Expo on 12 October, at Sunningdale Sports centre Table View, where Cape Home Educators will give detailed feedback, including answers to:
- applications,
- curriculum requirements,
- assessments,
- assessors, and
- other burning questions.
[End of Cape Home Educators’ information]
Homeschooling and the Law in South Africa
Be prepared. Be informed. Be empowered.
Read our other articles relating to Homeschool Laws in South Africa.
- Read this first – Disclaimer
- Pros and Cons of Registration for Home Education
- Must You Register for Homeschooling?
- What Could Happen if You Don’t Register?
- Be Properly Informed of the Legalities of Homeschooling
- Registering with the Department vs A Child’s Best Interests
- Are Home Visits Legal?
- Removing or Returning a Child to School
- Cottage Schools
Homeschool Assessments, Reports and Compliance
Part 1 – Homeschool Assessments
Part 2 – Homeschool Reports
Part 3 – Should You Submit Homeschool Reports?
Curriculum Compliance
School at Home versus Eclectic Homeschooling
Footprints and CAPS
Footprints Language Arts and CAPS
Barefoot Days and CAPS