Basic Education Minister, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, has officially gazetted the first two sets of regulations under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 (BELA Act) for public comment. This marks a significant milestone in the inclusive implementation of the BELA Act, aimed at strengthening the governance, equity and equality of education for the country’s 13.5 million learners.

The gazetted regulations relate to key provisions of the South African Schools Act, 1996 (SASA) regarding school capacity and school admissions. Further regulations will be released for public comment as soon as they have been finalised, legally vetted and approved.

Minister Gwarube called upon South Africans to participate in the public comment process: “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 (SGBs), civil society, education experts and community members to participate meaningfully in this process. Your voice matters. Let it be heard in shaping the policies and regulations that govern the education of your children”.

The DBE 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 since been applicable law. The regulations are a key step towards ensuring its effective implementation in line with the Constitution and the broader vision and equitable and quality education for all.

The draft regulations are available on the DBE’s website at www.education.gov.za and in the Government Gazette No. 53119 and 53120 of 6 August 2025. Members of the public have 30 days until 5 September 2025, to submit their written comments.