The recently enacted Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act is set to reshape education governance in South Africa, sparking discussions on its impact—particularly on independent schools. While much of the debate has focused on public education, what does this mean for private institutions?

A Shift in Early Education

One of the key provisions of the BELA Act is the compulsory enrolment of Grade R from 2025, effectively lowering the school starting age from 7 to 6 years. This move aims to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

According to Kelly Joshua, Head of Education Investment Funds at Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI), the Act aligns with the existing practices of many independent schools.

"All our portfolio schools already offer Grade R classes on-site. The requirement to provide a curriculum of equal or higher quality than the national CAPS curriculum is also in line with what independent schools already adhere to," says Joshua.

OMAI’s education portfolio, which includes the Schools and Education Investment Impact Fund (SEIIFSA) and the Education Investment Impact Fund (EduFund), supports 43 independent schools across South Africa, providing quality education to over 24,000 learners. These schools follow either the National Curriculum or the International Examination Board (IEB) curriculum, both of which meet the new legal requirements.

Language & Admissions – What’s Changing?

The BELA Act grants the government greater authority over language and admission policies in public schools, requiring School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to submit policies for final approval by provincial heads. While this change primarily affects public schools, Joshua notes that independent schools should also take this opportunity to review their policies.

"While the BELA Act focuses on public schools, independent institutions still have constitutional obligations. Schools should proactively ensure their policies align with national education laws," she advises.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite its intentions, the practical implementation of the Act remains a concern. Budget constraints and resource limitations in public education pose challenges—especially in expanding Grade R infrastructure.

"Significant infrastructure investment would be required to add Grade R classes in public schools that do not currently offer them. This comes at a time when the Department of Education is enforcing budgetary cuts," adds Joshua.

Independent Schools Continue to Deliver Excellence

Despite ongoing challenges in the education sector, independent schools have consistently produced strong results. The 2024 National Senior Certificate exams saw the highest national pass rates in history, and OMAI-supported schools continued to outperform expectations.

• 94.6% pass rate across SEIIFSA schools (compared to the national average of 87.3%)
• 65.75% Bachelor pass rate, exceeding the national average of 47.8%
• Two SEIIFSA schools achieved a 100% pass rate: Royal Schools Sky City and Meridian Karino
• IEB Results: 100% pass rate and 96% Bachelor pass rate—outperforming the national IEB averages

Joshua emphasizes that quality education plays a crucial role in reducing social inequalities, aligning with OMAI’s broader mission.

"By increasing access to quality education, we actively support the government’s goal of reducing social inequalities and enabling students from diverse backgrounds to unlock their full potential," she concludes.

Looking Ahead

As the BELA Act takes effect, independent schools must stay informed and adapt where necessary. OMAI remains committed to investing in education that empowers South Africa’s youth, ensuring that access to quality schooling continues to grow.