The DBE is currently finalising the draft national regulations required to support the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, 2024 (Act No. 32 of 2024). These regulations will provide practical and procedural clarity on key provisions of the 2024 amendments to the South African Schools Act (SASA,1996) and the Employment of Educators Act (EEA,1998) introduced by the BELA Act.

In accordance with the relevant legislative requirements, including section 61 of the SASA, these draft regulations will undergo public consultation before finalisation. The draft regulations will be published for public comment from the end of June 2025. Following the public comment period and internal revision processes, the Minister of Basic Education hopes to gazette the finalised regulations before the end of the 2025 calendar year with these taking effect from the beginning of the 2026 school year.

The implementation of the BELA Act commenced on 24 December 2024, as proclaimed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Whilst the development of national regulations, norms and standards and policy will support implementation, the absence of regulations does not delay or suspend implementation of the 2024 amendments to the two acts, which have been in force and effect since 24 December 2024. The DBE remains committed to ensuring that the development of regulations is consultative, practical and aligned with the overall aim of improving quality, governance and accountability within the basic education sector in the best interests of learners.