Minister Gwarube Opens Public Comment on New School Rules

• Purpose of the Regulations: These regulations aim to guide school operations, learner admissions, and uphold principles of fairness, accountability, and respect for local governance within South Africa’s education system.
• Introduction of New Education Regulations in South Africa: The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has introduced the first two regulations under the BELA Act, focusing on school capacity and admissions, with public input open until September 2025.
• Public Engagement and Feedback Process: The Department plans a nationwide awareness campaign to educate communities about the regulations, inviting public comments to ensure inclusive decision-making.
• Implementation Strategy for the BELA Act: To facilitate effective implementation, regulations are being released in a staggered manner, allowing thorough review and public participation before full rollout.

South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has officially published the first two sets of regulations under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA Act) for public comment. This move signals a key phase in the rollout of the BELA Act, which has been in effect since December 2024.

The regulations—now available in Government Gazette Nos. 53119 and 53120—focus on school capacity and admissions. These areas are central to how public schools manage enrolment and balance learner numbers, while ensuring that constitutional rights and local governance are respected.

“These regulations will shape how our schools operate, how learners are admitted, and how values like fairness and accountability are reflected in our education system,” said Minister Gwarube. “We are asking all South Africans—parents, teachers, experts, and civil society—to be part of this process. Your input is vital.”

The Department of Basic Education is planning a countrywide awareness drive to help communities understand the proposed changes and make informed submissions. Members of the public have until 5 September 2025 to share their views.

The BELA Act aims to enhance governance, promote equity, and raise the quality of education for over 13 million learners. Instead of releasing all regulations at once, the Department has opted for a staggered approach to prevent delays and allow more thorough public engagement.

Further regulations will follow as they are legally reviewed and approved. South Africans can access the draft regulations on the Department’s website.