In the ever-evolving landscape of education, it's crucial for parents to stay informed about legislative changes that could impact their children's learning journey. Currently, a significant topic of discussion within the homeschooling community is the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill. In this article, we aim to provide you with essential insights into the Bela Bill and what it means for your family.

The Current Status of the Bela Bill The Bela Bill has been a hot topic in educational circles. To provide our OPSA community with a deeper understanding, we have published a detailed blog post, which can be read here: Understanding the Bela Bill and Home Schooling. The Bill was recently approved by the National Assembly and is now undergoing a process with the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). The NCOP is currently engaging in public hearings, scheduled to conclude on January 19, 2024. Once these processes are completed, and if the Bill is approved, it will then move to the president to be signed into law.

Implications for OPSA and Our Community For the OPSA community, the impact of the Bela Bill is expected to be minimal, primarily because our operations and curriculum are already aligned with the regulatory standards. In fact, the introduction of this bill could empower our parents further. One of the notable stipulations in the new regulation is that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) must respond to any application within 60 days. Failing to do so will mean that the learner's application is deemed to be approved.

Regarding the curriculum content, OPSA meticulously follows the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). This ensures that the education provided through our platform is in line with the standards that a learner would receive in a public-school setting. Our adherence to CAPS standards positions us favourably in the context of the Bela Bill, ensuring continuity and compliance with national educational guidelines.

Staying Informed and Prepared As the Bela Bill progresses through its legislative journey, we will continue to monitor its developments and implications. Our commitment is to keep you informed and prepared for any changes that may arise. We believe that understanding these legislative processes is key to ensuring that your child’s homeschooling experience is not only enriching but also compliant with national education standards.

We encourage you to read our blog post for a more comprehensive understanding of the Bela Bill and its potential impact on homeschooling. As always, we are here to support you through these changes and ensure that your child's education remains uninterrupted and of the highest quality.

(c) OPSA