AfriForum encourages public to use extended time for comments on “Bela regulations”
AfriForum welcomes the second extension of time for public comments on the so-called Bela regulations announced in the Government Gazette today. In August this year, these draft regulations for the application of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (Bela) with regard to admission to and capacity of schools were published for public comments. Initially, the closing date was to be 5 September, but this has now been extended to 5 December 2025.
According to Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs, AfriForum’s comments have already been submitted, but the organisation views the extension as positive as the public now has even more time to provide well-considered inputs on the regulations. “Both sets of regulations will have a significant impact on 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 thereon.”
AfriForum’s comments focus particularly on ambiguities and contradictions in the regulations, which may later lead to disputes or even legal action if the formulation of these regulations is not improved. “Especially on sensitive issues such as feeder zones of schools and the role of language policies in admission requirements, there should not be any ambiguity,” she emphasises.
Anyone who also wishes to provide input by 5 December 2025 can find the necessary information and addresses for submission in the Government Gazette of 3 October 2025 (volume 724, number 53477), or contact AfriForum for more information at onderwys@afriforum.co.za.
