The South African Government has set the stage for an essential dialogue regarding the future of basic education in the country by officially gazetting the first two sets of regulations under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA Act) 2024.
Helmed by Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, this initiative invites citizens to share their perspectives until 5 September 2025. This initiative is a significant opportunity for public engagement, enabling stakeholders to influence the direction of educational policies.
Published in Government Gazette Nos 53119 and 53120 on 6 August 2025, the regulations focus on minimum uniform norms and standards for the capacity of ordinary public schools.
This marks the first draft regulations to be published since the BELA Act came into effect on 24 December 2024. Following months of scrutiny and pressure from the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, the move to publish these regulations signifies a crucial step in operationalising the law.
The gazetted regulations are designed to enhance key provisions of the South African Schools Act concerning school capacity and admissions. Specifically, they aim to safeguard learners’ rights while simultaneously bolstering school functionality across the nation.
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This development is particularly timely, given the ongoing discussions around the importance of equitable access to quality education for all South African children.
Gwarube highlighted the importance of public participation in her recent announcement, stating that ‘the gazetting of these regulations is an invitation for every South African to be part of the conversation that shapes our education system.’
The Department of Basic Education believes that collective insights from the public will help ensure that regulations serve the best interests of learners, parents, and educators alike.
Additional regulations are on the horizon, slated for public commentary as they undergo finalisation and legal vetting. The department said it is committed to maintaining an open line of communication with the public, ensuring transparency and collaboration in the educational reform process.
Education stakeholders and members of the public can access the draft regulations via the Department of Basic Education’s website, where further details and guidelines for submission are provided.
Interested individuals are encouraged to contribute their insights to shape the future of basic education in South Africa.
For full access to the gazetted regulations and to submit comments, visit this link.
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