The period for public submissions on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA) has been extended by a month. Imgae: Pixabay
The period for public submissions on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA) has been extended by a month to 5 October 2025.
Welcoming the move on Wednesday, AfriForum said it was positive that the public now has more time to submit well-considered input on the regulations.
“Both sets of regulations will have a significant impact on the nature of public schools and the provision of high-quality education, therefore it is essential for as many institutions, organisations and individuals as possible to submit comments on it,” said AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs Alana Bailey.
Last month, the Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube gazetted the BELA regulations for public comment.The closing date was 5 September, but this has now been extended by a month to 5 October.
According to Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs, it is positive that the public now has more time to submit well-considered input on the regulations. “Both sets of regulations will have a significant impact on the nature of public schools and the provision of high-quality education, therefore it is essential for as many institutions, organisations and individuals as possible to submit comments on it.”
Bailey emphasises that legislation is generally vague, and regulations then aim to create more clarity on the application thereof. “Should anyone therefore feel that the regulations are still not sufficiently clear, contradict each other or are not in line with realities within public schools, these concerns have to be brought to the attention of the Minister and Department of Basic Education. Uncertainty about the meaning of regulations and legislation can lead to costly legal action, which should rather be prevented. This also applies to anything that people feel may infringe on the rights of learners and teachers, or the Constitution in general,” she adds.
Minister Gwarube emphasised that the release of these regulations for public comment is an important opportunity for education stakeholders and the broader South African public to actively shape the future of basic education in our country.
What you need to know about BELA
“These regulations are instruments that will affect how schools are governed and managed, how children are admitted, and how our values as a society are reflected in our education system. I call on all South Africans, including parents, teachers, school governing bodies, civil society, education experts and community members to participate meaningfully in this public comment process. Your voice matters. Let it be heard in shaping the policies and regulations that govern the education of your children,” said Minister Gwarube.
The Department of Basic Education will be embarking on a national public awareness campaign to ensure that the content of the draft regulations is well understood and that all interested parties are empowered to make informed submissions.
The BELA Act commenced on 24 December 2024 and has been applicable law since that date. These regulations are a key step towards ensuring its effective implementation in line with the Constitution and the broader vision of equitable and quality education for all.
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