Is your child in home school? Here’s what you need to know

Parents and other stakeholders in the basic education sector have expressed their concern over proposed changes to the current schooling system, which some say will have an adverse effect on homeschooling in South Africa.

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WHAT CHANGES ARE COMING TO HOMESCHOOLING?

The Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill (Bela Bill) is aimed at strengthening regulation on homeschooling, among other things. As per the bill, government will have the ultimate deciding powers on language policies, as opposed to School Governing Bodies (SGBs). In addition, learners attending homeschool will have to be registered.

Starting Grade R as a launching pad to the schooling environment would also be compulsory – currently, learners are allowed to begin school in Grade 1.

Many parents are not happy with the proposed changes as they believe government is infringing on their right to choose what is best for their children.

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CHALLENGES TO ‘DRACONIAN BILL’

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also expressed its outrage over the BELA Bill, saying it fails to address the real issues plaguing basic education in South Africa.

The DA’s Shadow Minister of Basic Education, Baxolile Nodada, has said that the plan to make Grade R mandatory for learners is problematic and fails to consider the severe financial, facility, and staff constraints of schools.

“While Grade R is extremely beneficial to learners, the Department of Basic Education does not have the money to ensure that all learners are able to access Grade R should the BELA Bill be signed into law,” Nodada added.

“Furthermore, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) failed to conduct adequate research and engagement with the homeschooling sector before drafting the clause on homeschooling. And DBE failed to even include blended and online learning in the Bill, despite its rise in popularity during and after the Covid-pandemic”

The DA’s Shadow Minister of Basic Education, Baxolile Nodada