Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Education and leadership projects Media statements | Media statements

Public must seize extension to comment on “Bela regulations” – AfriForum

ByAfriForum 03/09/202503/09/2025

Soundbite: Alana Bailey (English)

AfriForum welcomes the extension of the period for public submissions on the so-called Bela regulations announced in the Government Gazette. In August this year, draft regulations for the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (Bela), which came into effect on 24 December 2024, regarding admission to and the capacity of schools were published for public comments. Initially, the closing date was 5 September, but this has now been extended by a month to 5 October.

According to Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs, it is positive that the public now has more time to submit well-considered input on the regulations. “Both sets of regulations will have a significant impact on the nature of 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 on it.”

Bailey emphasises that legislation is generally vague, and regulations then aim to create more clarity on the application thereof. “Should anyone therefore feel that the regulations are still not sufficiently clear, contradict each other or are not in line with realities within public schools, these concerns have to be brought to the attention of the Minister and Department of Basic Education. Uncertainty about the meaning of regulations and legislation can lead to costly legal action, which should rather be prevented. This also applies to anything that people feel may infringe on the rights of learners and teachers, or the Constitution in general,” she adds.

AfriForum is in the process of finalising its comments for submission in consultation with its legal advisors.

Anyone who also wishes to provide an input by 5 October, can find the necessary information and addresses for submission in the Government Gazette of 1 September (volume 723, number 53275), or contact AfriForum for more information at onderwys@afriforum.co.za.