Teacher Unions Hold Back on Response to Bela Act Regulations

South Africa’s two biggest teacher unions have yet to publicly respond to the new regulations stemming from the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act despite the deadline for comments fast approaching.

The Department of Basic Education gazetted the first set of regulations on 6 August 2025, giving the public until 5 September to make submissions.

Slow response from unions

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) and the National Professional Teachers Organisation of SA (Naptosa) say they are still consulting their members before finalising a position.

• Naptosa’s executive director, Basil Manuel, said the union was “pleased the regulations were published” but voiced concern about the staggered release of rules. He confirmed Naptosa would host a webinar with members later in August before issuing an official stance.

• Sadtu general secretary Mugwena Maluleke said the union was waiting for legal advisors to complete their review before submitting comments.

Both unions were part of the initial consultation process during drafting but have stressed that this does not mean they support every clause.

What the regulations cover

The newly released draft regulations focus on school admissions and determining school capacity. Key proposals include:

• Proof of immunisation before enrolment

• Admission refusals and appeal processes

• Language and curriculum preferences

• Classroom size limits and teacher–pupil ratios

• Provisions for special education needs

• Rules for admitting non-South African or undocumented children

Minister Siviwe Gwarube adopted a “modular release approach”, promising further regulations will follow, alongside a public awareness campaign to guide submissions.

Political divide and public input

The Bela Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2024, has been hotly contested. Opposition parties like the DA and Freedom Front Plus opposed it during parliamentary debates. However, the DA has since welcomed the newly gazetted regulations.

Civil society group Dear South Africa (DearSA) has urged citizens to use its platform to make submissions before the 5 September deadline. Managing director Rob Hutchinson warned that time is running out for meaningful public participation.

Why it matters

For years, the Bela Act has been a battleground over issues like school language policies, admission criteria, and the role of governing bodies. The regulations now present the last opportunity to bridge divides between the state, unions, and communities before implementation.

As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on Sadtu and Naptosa to see whether they will endorse, reject, or propose major changes to the minister’s framework decisions that could shape South Africa’s education landscape for years to come.

{Source: TheCitizen}

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