New regulations introduced by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) could effectively end home schooling in South Africa in cases where they determine it is not beneficial to the child.
If the Basic Education Law Amendments Bill is passed, parents will have to apply for permission to homeschool their children. This bill could impact more than 100 000 children who are currently being homeschooled.
This application will be made to the provincial head of education in the province they reside. Apart from applying to be allowed to be homeschooled, parents must prove that they are acting in the best interests of the child.
Anelle Burger, chair of the Cape Home Educators association says the proposals would give the minister of education complete control over homeschooling in South Africa. She adds that parents are also very concerned that the head of the provincial education department would have final say.
A survey conducted by the Cape Home Educators association showed that 94% of their members are opposed to registration that requires approval. Approximately 74% of parents also say they are not comfortable with home visits to assist with registration.
Burger adds that the DBE’s plan to regulate homeschooling to such an extent does not take into account the administrative burden it would place on the department. This as she believes the department does not have the capacity to deal with the administrative processes.
She argues that there is not compulsory education in South Africa but rather compulsory school attendance. She says that there are many ways to educate children and that sending your child to school will not guarantee that they are educated.
Burger says that the association is preparing their comments as the bill enters parliament and the opportunity for public participation opens.
This article was updated on 31st January to make two spelling corrections and to reflect that members of the Cape Home Educators Association are opposed to registration that would require approval.
