South Africa Act or statute

Parliament of the Republic of South Africa

Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024

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Jurisdiction: South Africa
Structure: 141 provisions
Citation: Act 32 of 2024
Dates: updated 13 Sept 2024

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Dates: updated 13 Sept 2024

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“This section describes amendments to education laws, including governance disclosures, reporting, approval, and offence-related rules.”

This section describes amendments to education laws, including governance disclosures, reporting, approval, and offence-related rules. This section states that section 1 of a prior Act is being amended. This section amends Section 1 of the South African Schools Act by adding and replacing several definitions. This provision amends section 1 by adding and updating definitions used in the Schools Act. This section adds and updates definitions used in the Act, including home education, loan, liquor, corporal punishment, education district, and special education needs.

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No. 51258

This section describes amendments to education laws, including governance disclosures, reporting, approval, and offence-related rules.

Section 4

No. 51258

Before a school is designated as a specialised-focus talent school, the Member of the Executive Council must notify affected parties, allow at least 90 days for representations, consider them, and ensure staff employers have complied with applicable labour…

Section 26

Section 36 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—

A governing body may not enter into a loan, lease, or overdraft agreement without the written approval of the Head of Department.

Section 26

Artikel 61 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—

This section amends Article 61 of the South African Schools Act by adding new topics for regulations.

Section 39

No. 51258

This text only shows Gazette publication details and contact information; it does not state a legal rule.

Section 64

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Showing 141 of 141 provisions

Substitution 50Amendment 44Provision 37Commencement 4

§ 4No. 51258Amendment

This section describes amendments to education laws, including governance disclosures, reporting, approval, and offence-related rules.

4 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 4 governing body must declare a direct or indirect personal and ﬁnancial interest that he or she or his or her family member may have in the recruitment or employment of staff at a public school, or in the procurement of goods and services for a public school, and that the member of the governing body must recuse himself or herself from a meeting of the governing body under such circumstances; to provide further clarity regarding the prohibition of the remuneration of members of governing bodies; to provide that it is the Minister, and not the Member of the Executive Council, who must make certain determinations in regard to the election of members of governing bodies of public schools; to provide that, where reasonably practicable, only a parent member of a governing body who is not employed by the public school may serve as chairperson of the ﬁnance committee; to make a technical amendment in regard to the status of learners serving on governing bodies of public schools; to extend and reﬁne the provisions relating to the closure of a public school; to provide that lease agreements relating to a school’s immovable property must be submitted to the Head of Department for approval and that, in the case of a lease for a period not exceeding 12 months, the approval of the Head of Department is not required; to further regulate and reﬁne matters relating to the budget of a public school; to further regulate the circumstances under which a governing body may pay additional remuneration, or give any other ﬁnancial beneﬁt or beneﬁt in kind, to a state employee; to provide that, where the parent of a learner applies for exemption from the payment of school fees and information cannot be obtained from the other parent of the learner, the parent may submit documentary evidence in the form of an affidavit or court order in relation to the other parent; to provide for ﬁnancial record-keeping by the governing body of a public school, for the drawing up of ﬁnancial statements, and for the presentation of these to a general meeting of parents; to extend the powers of the Head of Department to conduct an investigation into the ﬁnancial affairs of a public school and to provide that the governing body of a public school must submit quarterly reports on all income and expenditure to the Head of Department; to increase the penalty provision in the case where a person establishes or maintains an independent school and fails to register it; to empower the Member of the Executive Council to determine conditions when granting a subsidy to an independent school and to provide for ﬁnancial reporting, by such subsidised independent schools; to further regulate home education; to create an offence where a parent supplies a public school with false or misleading information or forged documents when applying for the admission of a learner or for exemption from the payment of school fees; to provide for a dispute resolution mechanism in the event of a dispute between the Head of Department or the Member of the Executive Council and a governing body; to further regulate the liability of the State for delictual or contractual damages; to extend the power of the Minister to make regulations and to provide for offences to be created in regulations made by the Minister; to amend the Preamble; and to provide for matters incidental thereto; and ● the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, so as to amend certain deﬁnitions; to exclude further education and training centres, adult basic education centres and institutions, from the ambit of the Act; to prohibit an educator from conducting business with the State and to create an offence in relation thereto; to extend the powers of the Minister to make regulations; and to provide for matters incidental thereto. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 5 5 gespesialiseerde fokus op talent, sport en uitvoerende of skeppende kunste; voorsiening te maak dat die Departementshoof, op redelike gronde, ’n beheerliggaam wat opgehou het om hul werksaamhede te verrig, kan ontbind; voorsiening te maak dat ’n lid van ’n beheerliggaam ’n direkte of indirekte persoonlike en ﬁnansiële belang moet verklaar wat hy of sy of sy of haar familielid mag hê in die werwing of indiensneming van personeel by ’n openbare skool, of in die verkryging van goedere en dienste vir ’n openbare skool, en dat die lid van die beheerliggaam hom- of haarself onder sodanige omstandighede van ’n vergadering van die beheerliggaam moet onttrek; verdere duidelikheid te verskaf oor die verbod op die besoldiging van lede van beheerliggame; om te bepaal dat dit die Minister is, en nie die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad nie, wat sekere bepalings moet maak met betrekking tot die verkiesing van lede van beheerliggame van openbare skole; te bepaal dat, waar redelikerwys moontlik, slegs ’n ouerlid van ’n beheerliggaam wat nie in diens van die openbare skool is nie, as voorsitter van die ﬁnansiële komitee mag dien; ’n tegniese wysiging aan te bring ten opsigte van die status van leerders wat op beheerliggame van openbare skole dien; die bepalings met betrekking tot die sluiting van ’n openbare skool uit te brei en te verfyn; te bepaal dat huurooreenkomste met betrekking tot ’n skool se onroerende eiendom aan die Departementshoof voorgelê moet word vir goedkeuring en dat, in die geval van ’n huurkontrak vir ’n tydperk van hoogstens 12 maande, die goedkeuring van die Departementshoof nie benodig word nie; sake met betrekking tot die begroting van ’n openbare skool verder te reguleer en te verbeter; die omstandighede waaronder ’n beheerliggaam bykomende besoldiging kan betaal, of enige ander ﬁnansiële voordeel of goederevoordeel, aan ’n staatswerknemer kan gee, verder te reguleer; te bepaal dat, waar die ouer van ’n leerder aansoek doen om vrystelling van die betaling van skoolgeld en inligting nie van die ander ouer van die leerder verkry kan word nie, die ouer dokumentêre getuienis in die vorm van ’n beëdigde verklaring of hofbevel met betrekking tot die ander ouer mag indien; om voorsiening te maak vir ﬁnansiële rekordhouding deur die beheerliggaam van ’n openbare skool, vir die opstel van ﬁnansiële state, en vir die voorlegging daarvan aan ’n algemene vergadering van ouers; die bevoegdhede van die Departementshoof uit te brei om ondersoek na die ﬁnansiële sake van ’n openbare skool in te stel en te bepaal dat die beheerliggaam van ’n openbare skool kwartaallikse verslae oor alle inkomste en uitgawes aan die Departementshoof moet indien; die strafbepaling te verhoog in die geval waar ’n persoon ’n onafhanklike skool stig of onderhou en versuim om dit te registreer; die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad te bemagtig om voorwaardes te bepaal wanneer ’n subsidie aan ’n onafhanklike skool toegestaan word en om voorsiening te maak vir ﬁnansiële verslagdoening deur sodanige gesubsidieerde onafhanklike skole; om tuisonderwys verder te reguleer; ’n misdryf te skep waar ’n ouer ’n openbare skool van vals of misleidende inligting of vervalste dokumente voorsien wanneer hy of sy aansoek doen om die toelating van ’n leerder of om vrystelling van die betaling van skoolgeld; voorsiening te maak vir ’n geskilbeslegtingsmeganisme in die geval van ’n dispuut tussen die Departementshoof of die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad en ’n beheerliggaam; die aanspreeklikheid van die Staat vir deliktuele of kontraktuele skadever- goeding verder te reguleer; die bevoegdheid van die Minister uit te brei om regulasies te maak en om voorsiening te maak dat misdrywe geskep kan word in regulasies wat deur die Minister gemaak word; om die Aanhef te wysig; en om voorsiening te maak vir aangeleenthede wat daarmee in verband staan; en ● die Wet op Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, ten einde sekere woordom- skrywings te wysig; verdere onderwys- en opleidingsentrums, sentrums vir basiese onderwys en instellings vir basiese onderwys vir volwassenes van die bestek van die Wet uit te sluit; ’n opvoeder te verbied om sake met die Staat te doen en om ’n misdryf in verband daarmee te skep; die bevoegdhede van die Minister om regulasies te maak, uit te brei; en om voorsiening te maak vir aangeleenthede wat daarmee in verband staan. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 4Verify source

§ 6No. 51258Amendment

This section states that section 1 of a prior Act is being amended.

6 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 6 BE IT ENACTED by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, as follows:— Amendment of section 1 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 1 of Act 100 of 1997, section 6 of Act 48 of 1999, section 1 of Act 50 of 2002, section 1 of Act 24 of 2005, section 4 of Act 31 of 2007 and section 4 of Act 15 of 2011 5

Section 6Verify source

§ 1Section 1 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996), is herebySubstitution

This section amends Section 1 of the South African Schools Act by adding and replacing several definitions.

1. Section 1 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996), is hereby amended— (a) by the insertion in subsection (1) before the deﬁnition of ‘‘Constitution’’ of the following deﬁnitions: free accommodation; free phone, including a cell phone; free holiday; ‘‘ ‘basic education’ includes grade R to grade 12, as evidenced in the National Curriculum Statement; ‘beneﬁt in kind’ means any beneﬁt offered or afforded to an employee employed in terms of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (Act No. 76 of 1998), or the Public Service Act, 1994 (Proclamation No. 103 of 1994), which is not a monetary beneﬁt, including, but not limited to— (a) exclusive private usage or ownership of a vehicle; (b) (c) (d) (e) groceries to the beneﬁt of the employee; or (f) ‘competent assessor’ means an educator registered with the South African Council for Educators as deﬁned in the South African Council for Educators Act, 2000 (Act No. 31 of 2000), a recognised professional body in the ﬁeld of education, or a person or body registered with the South African Qualiﬁcations Authority as deﬁned in the National Qualiﬁcations Framework Act, 2008 (Act No. 67 of 2008);’’; (b) by the substitution in subsection (1) for the deﬁnition of ‘‘Constitution’’ of the garden services; 10 15 20 25 following deﬁnition: ‘‘ ‘Constitution’ means the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 [(Act 108 of 1996)];’’; 30 (c) by the insertion in subsection (1) after the deﬁnition of ‘‘Constitution’’ of the following deﬁnition: ‘‘ ‘corporal punishment’ means any deliberate act against a child that inﬂicts pain or physical discomfort, however light, to punish or contain the child, which includes, but is not limited to— (a) hitting, smacking, slapping, pinching or scratching with the hand or any object; (c) (b) kicking, shaking, throwing, throwing objects at, burning, scalding, biting, pulling hair, boxing ears, pulling or pushing children; forcing children to stay in uncomfortable positions, forced inges- tion, washing children’s mouths out with soap, denying meals, heat and shelter, forcing a child to do exercises which are not in accordance with the curriculum applicable to the learner or denying or restricting a child’s use of the toilet; and (d) any acts which seek to belittle, humiliate, threaten, induce fear or ridicule the dignity and person of a learner;’’. 35 40 45 (d) by the insertion in subsection (1) after the deﬁnition of ‘‘Council of Education Ministers’’ of the following deﬁnition: ‘‘ ‘Criminal Procedure Act’ means the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977);’’. 50 (e) by the insertion in subsection (1) after the deﬁnition of ‘‘dangerous object’’ of the following deﬁnitions: ‘‘ ‘Department of Basic Education’ means the national department established in terms of section 7(2), read with Schedule 1, of the Public Service Act, 1994 (Proclamation No. 103 of 1994), responsible for basic education; ‘drug’ means any— (a) intoxicating or stupefying substance that has a psychological or physiological effect; 55 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 7 7 D AAR WORD BEPAAL deur die Parlement van die Republiek van Suid-Afrika, soos volg:— Wysiging van artikel 1 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 1 van Wet 100 van 1997, artikel 6 van Wet 48 van 1999, artikel 1 van Wet 50 van 2002, artikel 1 van Wet 24 van 2005, artikel 4 van Wet 31 van 2007 en artikel 4 van Wet 15 van 2011 5

Section 1Verify source

§ 1Artikel 1 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996 (Wet No. 84 van 1996), wordAmendment

This provision amends section 1 by adding and updating definitions used in the Schools Act.

1. Artikel 1 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996 (Wet No. 84 van 1996), word hierby gewysig— (a) deur in subartikel (1) die volgende omskrywings voor die omskrywing van ‘‘beampte’’ in te voeg: ‘‘ ‘ander ﬁnansiële voordeel’ enige voordeel van ’n geldelike aard, met inbegrip van, maar nie beperk nie tot— (a) vrystelling van die betaling van skoolgelde aan die skool ten opsigte van die kind van ’n werknemer, maar nie ook vrystelling ingevolge die bepalings van artikels 39 tot 41 nie; ’n kredietkaart aan ’n werknemer gekoppel vir sy of haar persoonlike gebruik; of ’n petrolkaart aan ’n werknemer gekoppel vir sy of haar persoonlike gebruik wat nie met enige skoolaktiwiteit verband hou nie; (b) (c) 10 15 ‘basiese onderwys’ ook graad R tot graad 12, soos uit die Nasionale Kurrikulumverklaring blyk;’’; 20 (b) deur in subartikel (1) die volgende omskrywing na die omskrywing van ‘‘beampte’’ in te voeg: ‘‘ ‘bevoegde assessor’ ’n opvoeder geregistreer by die Suid-Afrikaanse Raad vir Opvoeders soos omskryf in die Wet op die Suid-Afrikaanse Raad vir Opvoeders, 2000 (Wet No. 31 van 2000), ’n erkende professionele liggaam op die gebied van onderwys, of ’n persoon of liggaam geregistreer by die Suid-Afrikaanse Kwaliﬁkasie-owerheid soos omskryf in die ‘National Qualiﬁcations Framework Act, 2008’ (Wet No. 67 van 2008);’’; 25 (c) deur die volgende omskrywing na die omskrywing van ‘‘Departementshoof’’ 30 in te voeg: ‘‘ ‘Departement van Basiese Onderwys’ die nasionale departement ingevolge artikel 7(2), gelees met Bylae 1 van die Staatsdienswet, 1994 (Proklamasie No. 103 van 1994), ingestel, wat vir basiese onderwys verantwoordelik is; ‘drank’ drank soos omskryf in artikel 1 van die Drankwet, 2003 (Wet No. 59 van 2003); ‘dwelmmiddel’ enige— (a) bedwelmende of verdowende middel wat ’n sielkundige of ﬁsio- logiese uitwerking het; (b) middel wat die uitwerking het in paragraaf (a) beoog en wat in stryd met die gedragskode van ’n skool of in stryd met die wette van die Republiek besit word; (c) middel, waarvan die besit of gebruik, of die verhandeling daarvan, sonder ’n mediese voorskrif of wetlike magtiging verbied word; of (d) prestasie-verbeterende middel, verbode prestasie-verbeterende middel, afhanklikheidsproduserende middel, gevaarlike afhank- likheidsproduserende middel, ongewenste afhanklikheidsproduser- ende middel, onwettige middel, verbode middel, onwettige middel, onwettige dwelm, of geskeduleerde middel, beoog in enige Suid-Afrikaanse wetgewing wat handel oor die beheer van medisyne en verwante middels, met dwelmhandel, dwelmmisbruik in die algemeen, en met dwelmmisbruik in sport en in enige programme of beleid wat daarop gemik is om sosiale en sportverwante middelmisbruik te beperk, en in enige internasionale instrumente wat oor sulke aangeleenthede handel en waartoe Suid-Afrika onderskryf of ’n party is;’’; 35 40 45 50 55 (d) deur in subartikel (1) die volgende omskrywing na die omskrywing van ‘‘gevaarlike voorwerp’’ in te voeg: ‘‘ ‘goederevoordeel’ enige voordeel aangebied of verleen aan ’n werknemer wat ingevolge die Wet op Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 1Verify source

§ 8No. 51258Substitution

This section adds and updates definitions used in the Act, including home education, loan, liquor, corporal punishment, education district, and special education needs.

8 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 8 (b) (c) substance that has the effect contemplated in paragraph (a) and that is possessed contrary to the code of conduct of a school or contrary to the laws of the Republic; substance, the possession or use of which, or the dealing in which, is prohibited without a medical prescription or legal authorisation; or (d) performance-enhancing drug, prohibited performance-enhancing substance, dependence-producing substance, dangerous depen- dence-producing substance, undesirable dependence-producing substance, unlawful substance, prohibited substance, illicit sub- stance, illicit drug, or scheduled substance, contemplated in any South African legislation that deals with the control of medicines and related substances, with drug trafficking, substance abuse in general, and with substance abuse in sport and in any programmes or policies aimed at curtailing social and sport-related substance abuse, and in any international instruments that deal with such matters and to which South Africa subscribes or is a party;’’; (f) by the insertion in subsection (1) after the deﬁnition of ‘‘education department’’ of the following deﬁnition: ‘‘‘education district’ means a district in an area of a province which is demarcated by the Member of the Executive Council for administrative purposes;’’; (g) by the insertion in subsection (1) after the deﬁnition of ‘‘grade’’ of the following deﬁnition: ‘‘‘grade R’ means the Reception grade;’’; (h) by the insertion in subsection (1) after the deﬁnition of ‘‘Head of Department’’ of the following deﬁnition: ‘‘‘home education’ means a purposeful programme of education for a learner, alternative to school attendance, which— (a) is provided under the direction of the learner’s parent, primarily in the environment of the learner’s home; (b) may include tutorial or other educational support, if necessary, secured by the parent on speciﬁc areas of the curriculum followed by the learner; and 5 10 15 20 25 30 (c) meets the requirements for home education contemplated in section 35 51 of this Act;’’; (i) (j) by the deletion in subsection (1) of the deﬁnition of ‘‘illegal drug’’; by the insertion in subsection (1) after the deﬁnition of ‘‘learner’’ of the following deﬁnition: ‘‘‘liquor’ means liquor as deﬁned in section 1 of the Liquor Act, 2003 (Act No. 59 of 2003);’’; 40 (k) by the substitution in subsection (1) for the deﬁnition of ‘‘loan’’ of the following deﬁnition: ‘‘‘loan’ means any ﬁnancial obligation based on agreement, which obligation renders a school liable for making payment, in one or more instalments, in favour of any person, but does not include the payment of employees appointed by the governing body in terms of section 20(4) or (5), or operational costs as determined in the annual budget contemplated in section 38;’’; 45 (l) by the insertion in subsection (1) after the deﬁnition of ‘‘offıcer’’ of the following deﬁnition: 50 ‘‘‘other ﬁnancial beneﬁt’ means any beneﬁt of a monetary nature, including, but not limited to— (a) exemption from the payment of school fees to the school in respect of the child of an employee, but excluding exemption in terms of the provisions of sections 39 to 41; 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 9 9 1998 (Wet No. 76 van 1998), of die Staatsdienswet, 1994 (Proklamasie No. 103 van 1994), in diens is, wat nie ’n geldelike voordeel is nie, insluitend, maar nie beperk nie tot— (a) eksklusiewe private gebruik of eienaarskap van ’n voertuig; (b) gratis verblyf; (c) (d) gratis vakansie; (e) kruideniersware ten behoewe van die werknemer; of (f) ’n gratis foon, insluitend ’n selfoon; tuindienste;’’; 5 (e) deur die volgende omskrywing na die omskrywing van ‘‘graad’’ in te voeg: 10 ‘‘ ‘graad R’ die ontvangsgraad;’’; (f) deur in subartikel (1) die omskrywing van ‘‘Grondwet’’ deur die volgende omskrywing te vervang: ‘‘ ‘Grondwet’ die Grondwet van die Republiek van Suid-Afrika, 1996 [(Wet No. 108 van 1996)];’’; 15 (g) deur in subartikel (1) die omskrywing van ‘‘lening’’ deur die volgende omskrywing te vervang: ‘‘ ‘lening’ enige ﬁnansiële verpligting gegrond op ’n ooreenkoms, welke verpligting ’n skool aanspreeklik maak om betaling te doen, in een of meer paaiemente, ten gunste van enige persoon, maar sluit dit nie die betaling in van personeel wat ingevolge artikel 20(4) of (5) deur die beheerliggaam aangestel is nie, of bedryfskoste soos bepaal in die jaarlikse begroting in artikel 38 beoog;’’; (h) deur die volgende omskrywing na die omskrywing van ‘‘Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad’’ in te voeg: ‘‘ ‘lyfstraf’ enige opsetlike daad teen ’n kind wat pyn of ﬁsiese ongemak, hoe gering ook al, veroorsaak om die kind te straf of in te perk, wat insluit, maar nie beperk is nie tot— (a) (b) slaan, wiks, klap, knyp of krap met die hand of enige voorwerp; skop, skud, gooi, gooi van voorwerpe na, brand, skroei, byt, trek hare, boks ore, trek of stoot van kinders; (c) om kinders te dwing om in ongemaklike posisies te bly, kinders te dwing om iets in te neem, kinders se monde met seep uit te was, etes, hitte en skuiling te weier, ’n kind te dwing om oefeninge te doen wat nie in ooreenstemming is met die kurrikulum wat op die leerder van toepassing is nie of om te weier dat die kind die toilet gebruik of die gebruik van die toilet beperk; en (d) enige handelinge wat poog om ’n leerder te verkleineer, verneder, dreig, vrees by die leerder in te boesem of die waardigheid en persoon van ’n leerder te spot;’’; (i) deur die volgende omskrywing na die omskrywing van ‘‘onderwysdepar- tement’’ in te voeg: ‘‘ ‘onderwysdistrik’ ’n distrik in ’n gebied van ’n provinsie wat vir administratiewe doeleindes deur die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad afgebaken is;’’; deur in subartikel (1) die omskrywing van ‘‘onwettige dwelm’’ te skrap; (j) (k) deur in subartikel (1) in die omskrywing van ‘‘ouer’’ paragraaf (c) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(c) die persoon wat onderneem om die verpligtinge van ’n persoon in paragrawe (a) en (b) ten opsigte van die leerder se opvoeding [op skool] na te kom;’’; (l) deur die volgende omskrywings na die omskrywing van ‘‘skoolgelde’’ in te voeg: ten einde aan ’n onderwysprogram deel ‘‘ ‘spesiale onderwysbehoeftes’ onderwys wat ontwerp is om die onderrig te vergemaklik van individue wat, om ’n wye verskeidenheid redes, bykomende ondersteuning en aanpassende pedagogiese metodes nodig het te neem en leeroogmerke daarin te behaal; ‘Strafproseswet’ die Strafproseswet, 1977 (Wet No. 51 van 1977); ‘tuisonderrig’ ’n doelgerigte onderrigprogram vir ’n leerder, as ’n alternatief vir skoolbywoning, wat— (a) onder leiding van die leerder se ouer voorsien word, hoofsaaklik in die omgewing van die leerder se tuiste; 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 8Verify source

§ 10No. 51258Substitution

This provision defines the documents required for different categories of learners and defines “special education needs.”

10 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 10 (b) a credit card linked to an employee for his or her personal use; or (c) a petrol card linked to an employee for his or her personal use not related to any school activity;’’; (m) by the substitution in subsection (1) in the deﬁnition of ‘‘parent’’ for paragraph (c) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(c) the person who undertakes to fulﬁl the obligations of a person referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) towards the learner’s education [at school];’’; (n) by the insertion in subsection (1) after the deﬁnition of ‘‘registrar of deeds’’ of the following deﬁnition: 5 10 ‘‘ ‘required documents’ for learners shall have the following meaning in relation to the following categories of learners: (a) Where at least one or both biological or adoptive parents of a learner are South African citizens, the following documents: (i) An unabridged birth certiﬁcate of the learner; (ii) the South African identity documents or cards of the learner’s 15 parents; and (iii) where either or both parents are deceased, the relevant death certiﬁcates; (b) where both parents of the learner are foreign nationals and hold either permanent residence permits or temporary residence visas, the following documents: (i) the learner’s foreign issued birth certiﬁcate; (ii) the learner’s passport; (iii) a study visa or permanent residence permit issued to the 20 25 learner; (iv) the parents’ passports; and (v) the parents’ temporary residence visas or permanent residence permits; (c) where the parents of the learner are refugees or asylum seekers, the 30 following documents: (i) the parent’s asylum seeker or refugee visa; (ii) the learner’s asylum seeker or refugee visa; (iii) the learner’s birth certiﬁcate if the learner was born in the Republic; and (iv) where asylum seeker visas are provided, a refugee or long term study visa must be provided within three years of admission of the learner; and (d) where the learner is in alternative care, the following documents: (i) the relevant court order granting guardianship or custody; and (ii) the learner’s unabridged birth certiﬁcate.’’; and (o) by the insertion in subsection (1) after the deﬁnition of ‘‘school fees’’ of the following deﬁnition: ‘‘ ‘special education needs’ means education designed to facilitate the learning of individuals who, for a wide variety of reasons, require additional support and adaptive pedagogical methods in order to participate and meet learning objectives in an educational programme;’’. Amendment of section 3 of Act 84 of 1996

Section 10Verify source

§ 2Section 3 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

Parents must make sure their children attend school from grade R until the age- or grade-based end point in the Act, and a parent who does not comply after written notice from the Head of Department is addressed by the Act.

2. Section 3 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (1) of the following subsection: ‘‘(1) Subject to this Act and any applicable provincial law, every parent must cause every learner for whom he or she is responsible to attend [a] school, [from] starting from grade R on the ﬁrst school day of the year in which such learner reaches the age of [seven] six years and not leaving school until the last school day of the year in which such learner reaches the age of [ﬁfteen] 15 years or [the ninth] will complete grade nine, whichever occurs ﬁrst.’’; 35 40 45 50 55 (b) by the substitution for subsection (6) of the following subsection: ‘‘(6) Subject to this Act and any other applicable law— (a) any parent who, without just cause and after a written notice from the Head of Department, fails to comply with subsection (1)[,] is 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 11 11 (b) studieleiding of ander onderrigondersteuning kan insluit, indien nodig, wat deur die ouer gereël is, oor ’n spesiﬁeke area van die kurrikulum wat die leerder volg; en (c) voldoen aan die vereistes vir tuisonderrig in artikel 51 van hierdie Wet beoog; ‘vereiste dokumente’ vir leerders die volgende in verband met die volgende kategorieë leerders: (a) Waar ten minste een of beide biologiese of aanneemouers van ’n leerder Suid-Afrikaanse burgers is, die volgende dokumente: ’n volledige geboortesertiﬁkaat van die leerder; (i) (ii) die Suid-Afrikaanse identiteitsdokumente of -kaarte van die leerder se ouers; en (iii) waar een of beide ouers oorlede is, die tersaaklike doodsertiﬁkate; (b) waar beide ouers van die leerder buitelanders is en permitte vir permanente verblyf of visums vir tydelike verblyf hou, die volgende dokumente: (i) die leerder se geboortesertiﬁkaat wat in die buiteland uitgereik is; (ii) die leerder se paspoort; (iii) ’n studentevisum of permit vir permanente verblyf wat aan die leerder uitgereik is; (iv) die ouers se paspoorte; en (v) die ouers se visums vir tydelike verblyf of permitte vir permanente verblyf; (c) waar die ouers van die leerder vlugtelinge of asielversoekers is, die volgende dokumente: (i) die ouer se asielversoeker- of vlugtelingvisum; (ii) die leerder se asielversoeker- of vlugtelingvisum; (iii) die leerder se geboortesertiﬁkaat as die leerder in die Republiek gebore is; en (iv) waar asielversoekervisums verstrek word, moet ’n vlugteling- of langtermynstudievisum verstrek word binne drie jaar sedert toelating van die leerder; en (d) waar die leerder in alternatiewe sorg is, die volgende dokumente: (i) die tersaaklike hofbevel waarin voogskap of sorg toegestaan 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 word; en (ii) die leerder se volledige geboortesertiﬁkaat.’’. Wysiging van artikel 3 van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 2Verify source

§ 2Artikel 3 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Provision

Parents must ensure their responsible learners attend school from grade R until the end of the school year when the learner turns 15 or finishes grade 9, whichever comes first.

2. Artikel 3 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— 40 (a) deur subartikel (1) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(1) Behoudens hierdie Wet en enige toepaslike provinsiale wet moet elke ouer elke leerder vir wie hy of sy verantwoordelik is [’n] skool laat bywoon vanaf graad R op die eerste skooldag van die jaar waarin sodanige leerder die ouderdom van [sewe] ses jaar bereik tot op die laaste skooldag van die jaar waarin sodanige leerder die ouderdom van [vyftien] 15 jaar [of die negende graad] bereik of graad nege sal voltooi, watter een ook al eerste plaasvind.’’; 45 (b) deur subartikel (6) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(6) Behoudens hierdie Wet en enige ander toepaslike Wet— 50 (a) is enige ouer wat, sonder afdoende rede en ná ’n skriftelike kennisgewing van die Departementshoof, in gebreke bly om This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 2Verify source

§ 12No. 51258Amendment

A person may commit an offence by blocking compulsory school attendance or by unlawfully and intentionally disrupting school educational activities.

12 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 12 guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to a ﬁne or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding [six] 12 months, or to both a ﬁne and such imprisonment, alternatively a court may impose a sentence within the court’s discretion as contemplated in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act; or (b) any other person who, without just cause, prevents a learner who is subject to compulsory attendance from attending [a] school[,] is guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to a ﬁne or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding [six] 12 months, or to both a ﬁne and such imprisonment, alternatively a court may impose a sentence within the court’s discretion as contemplated in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act.’’; and (c) by the addition of the following subsection: ‘‘(7) Any person who, unlawfully and intentionally interrupts, disturbs or hinders any official educational activity of a school, or hinders or obstructs any school in the performance of the school’s official educational activities, is guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to a ﬁne or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months, or to both a ﬁne and such imprisonment.’’. Insertion of section 4A in Act 84 of 1996

Section 12Verify source

§ 3The following section is hereby inserted in the South African Schools Act, 1996,Amendment

School staff and the governing body must monitor learner attendance, require attendance rules in the code of conduct, and act quickly when a learner is absent for three school days without a valid reason.

3. The following section is hereby inserted in the South African Schools Act, 1996, after section 4: 5 10 15 20 ‘‘Monitoring learner attendance 4A. (1) The educator, principal and governing body are responsible for promoting and monitoring the attendance of learners at school. 25 (2) The governing body must ensure that the code of conduct for learners contains rules dealing with punctuality and regular school attendance. (3) If a learner is absent for three consecutive school days without valid reason, the class teacher concerned must report the absence to the principal. (4) The principal must, within 24 hours after being informed of the absence, investigate the matter by making a reasonable effort to contact the parent of the learner by whatever means are suitable for the circumstances of the school and the family concerned and report the matter to the governing body of the school for further intervention.’’. Amendment of section 5 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 2 of Act 50 of 2002

Section 3Verify source

§ 4Section 5 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

This section amends school admission rules, lets a learner attend even if required documents are missing, requires the principal to advise the parent or guardian to get the documents, and creates offences for disrupting school education activities.

4. Section 5 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (1) of the following subsection: ‘‘(1) A public school must admit, and provide education to, learners and must serve their educational requirements for the duration of their school attendance without unfairly discriminating in any way.’’; (b) by the insertion after subsection (1) of the following subsections: ‘‘(1A) Any learner whose parent or guardian has not provided any required documents, whether of the learner or such adult person acting on behalf of the learner, during the application for admission, shall nonetheless be allowed to attend school. (1B) The principal of the school must advise the parent or guardian to secure the required documents.’’; 30 35 40 45 (c) by the substitution in subsection (4) for paragraph (a) of the following 50 paragraph: ‘‘(a) The admission age of a learner to a public school to grade R is age four turning ﬁve by 30 June in the year of admission: Provided that, This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 13 13 uitvoering te gee aan subartikel (1), skuldig aan ’n misdryf en by skuldigbevinding onderhewig aan ’n boete of aan gevangenisstraf vir ’n tydperk wat nie [ses] 12 maande te bowe gaan nie, of aan beide ’n boete en sodanige gevangenisstraf, anders kan ’n hof ’n vonnis volgens die hof se diskresie oplê soos in die Strafproseswet beoog; of te [woon] gaan, (b) enige ander persoon wat, sonder afdoende rede, ’n leerder wat aan verpligte bywoning onderhewig is, daarvan weerhou om [’n] skool [by] skuldig aan ’n misdryf en by skuldigbevinding onderhewig aan ’n boete of aan gevangenisstraf vir ’n tydperk wat nie [ses] 12 maande te bowe gaan nie, of aan beide ’n boete en sodanige gevangenisstraf, anders kan ’n hof ’n vonnis volgens die hof se diskresie oplê soos in die Strafproseswet beoog.’’; en is (c) deur die volgende subartikel by te voeg: ‘‘(7) Enige persoon wat, wederregtelik en met opset enige amptelike onderwysaktiwiteit van ’n skool onderbreek, versteur of hinder of enige skool hinder of belemmer in die verrigting van die skool se amptelike onderwysaktiwiteite, is skuldig aan ’n misdryf en by skuldigbevinding strafbaar met ’n boete of aan gevangenisstraf vir ’n tydperk wat nie 12 maande te bowe gaan nie, of aan beide ’n boete en sodanige gevangenisstraf.’’. Invoeging van artikel 4A in Wet 84 van 1996

Section 4Verify source

§ 3Die volgende artikel word hierby na artikel 4 in die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet,Provision

Schools must monitor learner attendance, and the principal must act within 24 hours if a learner is absent without a valid reason for three consecutive school days.

3. Die volgende artikel word hierby na artikel 4 in die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, ingevoeg: 5 10 15 20 25 ‘‘Monitering van leerderbywoning 4A. (1) Die opvoeder, prinsipaal en beheerliggaam is verantwoordelik vir die bevordering en monitering van die skoolbywoning van leerders. (2) Die beheerliggaam moet verseker dat leerders se gedragskode reëls bevat wat oor stiptelikheid en gereelde skoolbywoning handel. 30 (3) Indien ’n leerder sonder ’n geldige rede vir drie opeenvolgende skooldae afwesig is, moet die betrokke klasonderwyser die afwesigheid aan die prinsipaal rapporteer. (4) Die prinsipaal moet, binne 24 uur nadat hy of sy van die afwesigheid ingelig is, die aangeleentheid ondersoek deur ’n redelike poging aan te wend om die ouer van die leerder te kontak op enige wyse soos gepas in die omstandighede van die skool en die betrokke familie en die aangeleentheid aan die beheerliggaam van die skool rapporteer vir verdere ingryping.’’. 35 Wysiging van artikel 5 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 2 van Wet 50 van 2002 40

Section 3Verify source

§ 4Artikel 5 van die Wet op Suid-Afrikaanse Skole, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Provision

Public schools must admit learners, provide education, and avoid unfair discrimination; principals must ask parents or guardians to obtain required documents.

4. Artikel 5 van die Wet op Suid-Afrikaanse Skole, 1996, word hierby gewysig— (a) deur subartikel (1) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(1) ’n Openbare skool moet leerders toelaat, en aan hulle opvoeding voorsien en hul opvoedkundige behoeftes dien vir die duur van hul skoolbywoning sonder om op enige wyse onregverdig te diskrimineer.’’; (b) deur die volgende subartikels na subartikel (1) in te voeg: ‘‘(1A) Enige leerder wie se ouer of voog geen vereiste dokumente verstrek het nie, hetsy van die leerder of sodanige volwasse persoon wat ten behoewe van die leerder optree, tydens die aansoek om toelating, word nogtans toegelaat om skool by te woon. (1B) Die prinsipaal van die skool moet die ouer of voog vra om die vereiste dokumente te verkry.’’; (c) deur in subartikel (4) paragraaf (a) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(a) Die toelatingsouderdom vir ’n leerder in ’n openbare skool tot graad R is die ouderdom van vier indien die leerder teen 30 Junie in die jaar van toelating vyf jaar oud word: Met dien verstande dat, 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 4Verify source

§ 14No. 51258Substitution

This section sets rules for public school admission policies, appeal steps, and who has final admission authority.

14 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 14 if a school has limited capacity for admission in grade R, preference must be given to learners who are subject to compulsory attendance.’’; (d) by the substitution for subsection (5) of the following subsection: to this Act and any applicable provincial law, ‘‘(5) Subject the admission policy of a public school is determined by the governing body of such school in line with the Constitution and relevant legislation: Provided that— (a) the governing body, when considering the admission policy or any amendment thereof for approval, must be satisﬁed that the policy or the amendment thereof takes into account the needs, in general, of the broader community in the education district in which the public school is situated, and must take into account factors including, but not limited to— (i) the best interests of the child, with emphasis on equality as provided for in section 9 of the Constitution, and equity; (ii) whether there are other schools in the community that are accessible to learners; (iii) the available resources of the school and the efficient and effective use of state resources; and (b) (iv) the space available at the school for learners; and the Head of Department, after consultation with the governing body of the school, has the ﬁnal authority, subject to subsection (9), to admit a learner to a public school; and the governing body must review the admission policy determined in terms of this section every three years or whenever the factors referred to in paragraph (a) have changed when circumstances so require, or at the request of the Head of Department.’’; (e) by the substitution for subsection (9) of the following subsection: (c) ‘‘(9) Any learner or parent of a learner who has been refused admission to a public school may appeal against the decision to the Member of the Executive Council within 14 days of receiving the notiﬁcation of the refusal of admission to the public school.’’; and (f) by the addition of the following subsections: ‘‘(10) If an appeal contemplated in subsection (9) has been received, the Member of the Executive Council must, within 14 days after receiving such an appeal, consider and decide on the matter and inform the learner or the parent of the learner of the outcome of the appeal. (11) If the governing body is not satisﬁed with the decision of the Head of Department as contemplated in subsection (5)(b), the governing body may appeal against the decision to the Member of the Executive Council within 14 days after receiving the decision of the Head of Department. (12) If an appeal contemplated in subsection (11) has been received, the Member of the Executive Council must, within 14 days after receiving such appeal, consider and decide on the matter and inform the governing body of the outcome of the appeal. (13) While the Member of the Executive Council considers the appeal, the admission policy shall remain valid and applicable, and only the provisions that are the subject of the appeal shall be suspended pending the ﬁnalisation of the appeal process.’’. Amendment of section 6 of Act 84 of 1996

Section 14Verify source

§ 5Section 6 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

This section amends school admission and language-policy rules for public schools.

5. Section 6 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) The governing body of a public school may, subject to subsection (7), determine the language policy of the school subject to the Constitution, this Act and any applicable provincial law: Provided that the language policy of a public school must be limited to one or more of 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 15 15 indien ’n skool beperkte kapasiteit in graad R het, voorkeur gegee moet word aan leerders wat aan verpligte bywoning onderhewig is.’’; (d) deur subartikel (5) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(5) Behoudens hierdie Wet en enige toepaslike provinsiale wet word die toelatingsbeleid van ’n openbare skool deur die beheerliggaam van sodanige skool bepaal ooreenkomstig die Grondwet en tersaaklike wetgewing: Met dien verstande dat— (a) die beheerliggaam, by die oorweging van die toelatingsbeleid of enige wysiging daarvan vir goedkeuring, oortuig moet wees dat die beleid of wysiging daarvan die behoeftes, oor die algemeen, van die breër gemeenskap in die onderrigdistrik waarin die openbare skool geleë is, in ag neem, en moet faktore in ag neem wat die volgende insluit, maar nie daartoe beperk is nie: (i) Die beste belang van die kind, met die klem op gelykheid soos in artikel 9 van die Grondwet voor voorsiening gemaak, en billikheid; (ii) hetsy daar ander skole in die gemeenskap is waartoe leerders toegang het; (iii) die beskikbare hulpbronne van die en die doeltreffende en doelmatige gebruik van staatshulpbronne; en skool (iv) die spasie wat by die skool vir leerders beskikbaar is; en (b) die Departementshoof, na oorleg met die beheerliggaam van die skool, het die ﬁnale gesag, behoudens subartikel (9), om ’n leerder in ’n openbare skool toe te laat; (c) die beheerliggaam moet die toelatingsbeleid wat ingevolge hierdie artikel bepaal is, elke drie jaar hersien of wanneer die faktore in paragraaf (a) bedoel, ook al verander het wanneer omstandighede dit vereis, of op versoek van die Departementshoof.’’; (e) deur subartikel (9) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(9) Enige leerder of ouer van ’n leerder wat toelating tot ’n openbare skool geweier is, kan teen die beslissing appèl aanteken by die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad binne 14 dae sedert ontvangs van die kennisgewing van die weiering of toelating tot die openbare skool.’’; en (f) deur die volgende subartikels by te voeg: ‘‘(10) Indien ’n appèl beoog in subartikel (9) ontvang is, moet die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad, binne 14 dae sedert ontvangs van sodanige appèl, die aangeleentheid oorweeg en daaroor beslis en die leerder of die ouer van die leerder van die uitslag van die appèl verwittig. (11) Indien die beheerliggaam ontevrede is met die beslissing van die Departementshoof die subartikel beheerliggaam by die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad appèl aanteken binne 14 dae sedert ontvangs van die beslissing van die Departements- hoof. beoog, (5)(b) soos kan in (12) Indien ’n appèl beoog in subartikel (11), ontvang is, moet die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad binne 14 dae sedert ontvangs van die appèl die aangeleentheid oorweeg en daaroor beslis en die beheerliggaam van die uitslag van die appèl verwittig. (13) Terwyl die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad die appèl oorweeg, bly die toelatingsbeleid geldig en van toepassing, en slegs die bepalings wat die onderwerp van die appèl is, word opgeskort hangende die afhandeling van die appèlproses.’’. 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Wysiging van artikel 6 van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 5Verify source

§ 5Artikel 6 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Provision

A public school governing body may set the school’s language policy, subject to subsection (7), the Constitution, the Act, and any applicable provincial law.

5. Artikel 6 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— 55 (a) deur subartikel (2) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(2) Die beheerliggaam van ’n openbare skool kan, behoudens subartikel (7), die taalbeleid van die skool bepaal, behoudens die Grondwet, hierdie Wet en enige toepaslike provinsiale wet: Met dien verstande dat die taalbeleid van ’n openbare skool beperk moet wees tot 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 5Verify source

§ 16No. 51258Substitution

Public school governing bodies must consider community language needs when setting or changing language policy, and review the policy at least every three years. The Head of Department may direct a school to use more than one language of instruction if it is practicable and the notice and consultation steps are followed.

16 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 16 the official languages of the Republic as provided in section 6(1) of the Constitution.’’; (b) by the substitution for subsection (4) of the following subsection: ‘‘(4) [A recognised] South African Sign Language has the status of an official language for purposes of learning at a public school.’’; and 5 (c) by the addition of the following subsections: ‘‘(5) The governing body of a public school, when determining the language policy of the school or any amendment thereof, must be satisﬁed that the policy or the amendment thereof takes into account the language needs, in general, of the broader community in the education district in which the public school is situated, and must take into account factors including, but not limited to— (a) the best interests of the child, with emphasis on equality as provided for in section 9 of the Constitution and equity; section 6(2) of the Constitution; section 29(2) of the Constitution; the changing number of learners who speak the language of learning and teaching at the public school; the need for effective use of classroom space and resources of the public school; and the enrolment trends of the public school. (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (6) The governing body must review the language policy determined in terms of this section every three years or whenever the factors referred to in subsection (5) have changed, when circumstances so require, or at the request of the Head of Department. (7) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2), the Head of Department may, where it to subsection (5), direct a public school to adopt more than one language of instruction. is practicable to do so and subject (8) The Head of Department, in determining whether it is practicable for a public school to have more than one language of instruction, must take into account factors including, but not limited to— (a) the best interests of the child, with emphasis on equality as provided for in section 9 of the Constitution and equity; the changing number of learners who speak the language of learning and teaching at the public school; the need for effective use of classroom space and resources of the public school; and the language needs, in general, of the broader community in the education district in which the public school is situated. (b) (c) (d) (9) The Head of Department may not act in terms of subsection (7) unless he or she has— (a) in writing, informed the school and the governing body of his or her intention to act as contemplated in subsection (7) and his or her reasons therefor; (b) notiﬁed the parents associated with the school, and the community in which the school is situated, of his or her intention so to act and the reasons therefor— (i) by means of a notice in at least one newspaper circulating in the area where the school is situated, if any newspapers circulate in that area; (ii) by causing the principal of the school to— (aa) hand to every learner a notice containing the relevant 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 information; and (bb) instruct the learners to hand the notice to their parents; 55 and (iii) by means of any other acceptable form of communication that will ensure that the information is spread as widely as possible; (c) granted the school, the governing body, the parents associated with the school, and the community in which the school is situated, a reasonable opportunity to make representations to him or her in relation to such action; 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 17 17 een of meer van die amptelike tale van die Republiek soos in artikel 6(1) van die Grondwet bepaal.’’; (b) deur subartikel (4) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(4) [’n Erkende] Suid-Afrikaanse Gebaretaal het die status van ’n amptelike taal vir die doeleindes van onderrig in ’n openbare skool.’’; en 5 (c) deur die volgende subartikels by te voeg: ‘‘(5) Die beheerliggaam van ’n openbare skool, by die bepaling van die taalbeleid van die skool of enige wysiging daarvan, moet oortuig wees dat die beleid of die wysiging daarvan die taalbehoeftes, oor die algemeen, van die breër gemeenskap in die onderwysdistrik waar die openbare skool geleë is, in ag neem, en moet faktore in ag neem wat die volgende insluit, maar nie daartoe beperk is nie: (a) Die beste belang van die kind, met die klem op gelykheid, soos in artikel 9 van die Grondwet bepaal en billikheid; artikel 29(2) van die Grondwet; (b) artikel 6(2) van die Grondwet; (c) (d) die veranderende getal openbare skool praat; leerders wat die onderrigtaal by die (e) die behoefte aan doeltreffende gebruik van klaskamerspasie en hulpbronne van die openbare skool; en die inskrywingstendense van die openbare skool. (f) (6) Die beheerliggaam moet die taalbeleid wat ingevolge hierdie artikel bepaal is, elke drie jaar of wanneer die faktore in subartikel (5) bedoel, verander het, wanneer omstandighede dit vereis, of op versoek van die Departementshoof, hersien. die bepalings (7) Ondanks die Departementshoof, waar prakties moontlik en behoudens die bepalings van subartikel (5), ’n openbare skool opdrag gee om meer as een taal van instruksie aan te neem. subartikel van kan (2), (8) Die Departementshoof, by vasstelling of dit vir ’n openbare skool moontlik is om meer as een taal van onderrig te hê, moet faktore in ag neem wat die volgende insluit, maar nie daartoe beperk is nie: (a) Die beste belang van die kind, met die klem op gelykheid soos in artikel 9 van die Grondwet voor voorsiening gemaak, en billikheid; leerders wat die taal van onderrig en (b) die veranderende getal onderwys by die openbare skool praat; (c) die behoefte vir doeltreffende gebruik van klaskamerruimte en hulpbronne van die openbare skool; en (d) die taalbehoeftes, oor die algemeen, van die breër gemeenskap in die onderwysdistrik waarin die openbare skool geleë is. (9) Die Departementshoof kan nie ingevolge subartikel (7) optree nie, tensy hy of sy— (a) die skool en die beheerliggaam skriftelik verwittig het van sy of haar voorneme om op te tree soos beoog in subartikel (7) en sy of haar redes daarvoor; (b) die ouers wat met die skool geassosieer is, en die gemeenskap waarin die skool geleë is, in kennis gestel het van sy of haar voorneme om so op te tree en die redes daarvoor— (i) by wyse van ’n kennisgewing in ten minste een koerant met sirkulasie in die gebied waar die skool geleë is, indien enige koerante in daardie gebied in sirkulasie is; (ii) deur die prinsipaal van die skool— 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 (aa) ’n kennisgewing met die tersaaklike inligting aan elke leerder te laat oorhandig; (bb) die leerders te laat opdrag gee om die kennisgewing 55 aan hulle ouers te oorhandig; en (iii) by wyse van enige aanvaarbare vorm van ander kommunikasie wat sal verseker dat die inligting so wyd moontlik versprei word; (c) die skool, die beheerliggaam, die ouers van die skool, en die gemeenskap waarin die skool geleë is, ’n redelike geleentheid gegun het om vertoë oor sodanige stap, aan hom of haar te rig; 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 16Verify source

§ 18No. 51258Amendment

The Head of Department must notify the school, governing body, parents and communities of the decision and reasons, and must ensure the school has needed resources before the directive is implemented. The governing body may appeal within 14 days, and the Member of the Executive Council must decide the appeal within 14 days.

18 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 18 (d) conducted a public hearing, on reasonable notice, to enable the community to make representations to him or her in relation to such action; and (e) given due consideration to any such representations received. (10) The Head of Department must— (a) inform the school and the governing body of his or her decision contemplated in subsection (7) and his or her reasons therefor; and (b) by means of the methods listed in subsection (9)(b), notify the parents associated with the schools, and the communities in which the schools are situated, of the decision. (11) If the Head of Department acts in terms of subsection (7), he or she must, before his or her directive is implemented, take all necessary steps to ensure that the public school concerned receives the necessary resources, including, but not limited to— (a) educators; and (b) to enable that public school to provide adequate tuition in the additional language or languages of instruction. learning and teaching support material, (12) If the governing body is not satisﬁed with the directive of the Head of Department as contemplated in subsection (7), the governing body may appeal against the directive to the Member of the Executive Council within 14 days after receiving the directive. (13) If an appeal contemplated in subsection (12) has been received, the Member of the Executive Council must, within 14 days after receiving such appeal, consider and decide the matter and inform the governing body of the outcome of the appeal. (14) While the Member of the Executive Council considers the appeal, the language policy of the public school shall remain valid and applicable, and only the provisions that are the subject of the appeal shall be suspended pending the ﬁnalisation of the appeal process.’’. 5 10 15 20 25 30 Amendment of section 6A of Act 84 of 1996, as inserted by section 3 of Act 50 of 2002

Section 18Verify source

§ 6Section 6A of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theAmendment

The Minister may appoint a person, organisation, or group of persons in writing to advise on the determination in subsection (1).

6. Section 6A of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the addition of the following subsection: ‘‘(3) The Minister may, in writing, appoint a person, an organisation or a group of persons to advise him or her in regard to the determination contemplated in subsection (1).’’. 35 Amendment of section 8 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 4 of Act 50 of 2002 and section 6 of Act 31 of 2007

Section 6Verify source

§ 7Section 8 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

This section changes the school code-of-conduct rules for public schools.

7. Section 8 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (1) of the following subsection: ‘‘(1) Subject to the Constitution, this Act and any applicable provincial law, a governing body of a public school must adopt a code of conduct for the learners after consultation with the learners, parents and educators of the school.’’; (b) by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) A code of conduct referred to in subsection (1) must be aimed at establishing a disciplined and purposeful school environment, dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of the quality of the learning process, the diverse cultural beliefs, religious observances and medical circumstances of the learners at the school.’’; taking into account (c) by the substitution for subsection (4) of the following subsection: ‘‘(4)(a) Nothing contained in this Act exempts a learner from the obligation to comply with the code of conduct of the school attended by such learner. (b) Despite paragraph (a), the code of conduct must contain an exemption provision in terms of which a learner, or the parent of a learner, may apply to the governing body for exemption of that learner 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 19 19 (d) (e) ’n openbare verhoor, met redelike kennis, gehou het om die gemeenskap in staat te stel om vertoë aan hom of haar te rig in verband met sodanige stap; en enige vertoë wat gerig is, behoorlik oorweeg het. (10) Die Departementshoof moet— (a) die skool en die beheerliggaam verwittig van sy of haar besluit in subartikel (7) beoog en sy of haar redes daarvoor; en (b) by wyse van die metodes in subartikel (9)(b) gelys, die ouers wat met die skole geassosieer is, en die gemeenskappe waarin die skole geleë is, van die besluit in kennis stel. (11) Indien die Departementshoof ingevolge subartikel (7) optree, moet hy of sy, voordat sy of haar opdrag ingestel word, alle nodige stappe doen om te verseker dat die betrokke openbare skool die nodige hulpbronne ontvang, met inbegrip van, maar nie beperk nie tot— (a) opvoeders; en (b) om daardie openbare skool in staat te stel om voldoende onderrig in die bykomende taal of tale van instruksie te voorsien. leer- en onderrigondersteuningsmateriaal, (12) Indien die beheerliggaam nie tevrede is met die opdrag van die Departementshoof soos in subartikel (7) beoog nie, kan die beheer- liggaam teen die opdrag, appèl aanteken by die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad binne 14 dae sedert ontvangs van die opdrag. (13) Indien ’n appèl in subartikel (12) beoog, ontvang is, moet die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad, binne 14 dae na ontvangs van sodanige appèl, die aangeleentheid oorweeg en daaroor beslis en die beheerliggaam in kennis stel van die uitslag van die appèl. (14) Terwyl die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad die appèl oorweeg, bly die taalbeleid van die openbare skool geldig en van toepassing, en slegs die bepalings wat die onderwerp van die appèl is, word opgeskort hangende die afhandeling van die appèlproses.’’. 5 10 15 20 25 30 Wysiging van artikel 6A van Wet 84 van 1996, soos ingevoeg deur artikel 3 van Wet 50 van 2002

Section 7Verify source

§ 6Artikel 6A van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur dieProvision

The Minister may, in writing, appoint a person, organisation, or group of persons to advise on the determination mentioned in subarticle (1).

6. Artikel 6A van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur die volgende subartikel by te voeg: ‘‘(3) Die Minister kan ’n persoon, ’n organisasie of ’n groep persone skriftelik aanstel om hom of haar van raad te bedien oor die bepaling in subartikel (1) beoog.’’. 35 Wysiging van artikel 8 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 4 van Wet 50 van 2002 en artikel 6 van Wet 31 van 2007

Section 6Verify source

§ 7Artikel 8 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Provision

A public school governing body must adopt a learner code of conduct after consulting learners, parents, and educators.

7. Artikel 8 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— 40 (a) deur subartikel (1) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(1) Behoudens die Grondwet, hierdie Wet en enige toepaslike provinsiale wet moet ’n beheerliggaam van ’n openbare skool ’n gedragskode vir leerders aanvaar ná oorleg met die leerders, ouers en opvoeders van die skool.’’; (b) deur subartikel (2) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(2) ’n Gedragskode beoog in subartikel (1) moet daarop gemik wees om ’n gedissiplineerde en doelgerigte skoolomgewing wat toegewy is aan die bevordering en instandhouding van die gehalte van die leerproses, inagneming van die diverse kulturele oortuigings, geloofsvierings en mediese omstandighede van die leerders by die skool.’’; te vestig, met (c) deur subartikel (4) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(4)(a) Geen bepaling van hierdie Wet stel ’n leerder vry van die verpligting om die gedragskode van die skool wat deur sodanige leerder bygewoon word, na te kom nie. (b) Ondanks paragraaf (a), moet die gedragskode ’n vrystellings- bepaling bevat ingevolge waarvan ’n leerder, of die ouer van ’n leerder, by die beheerliggaam kan aansoek doen dat daardie leerder vrygestel 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 7Verify source

§ 20No. 51258Amendment

The school governing body must decide exemption applications within 14 days and give written reasons if it refuses. A learner or parent may appeal a refusal to the Head of Department within 14 days, and the Head of Department must decide within 14 days and give written reasons. Disciplinary proceedings must be age-appropriate, in the learner’s best interests, and fair.

20 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 20 from complying with certain provisions of the code of conduct on account of, but not limited to, the following circumstances that a learner may bring to the attention of the principal or governing body of the school: (i) Cultural beliefs; (ii) religious observances; and (iii) medical grounds. (c) On receiving an application contemplated in paragraph (b), the school governing body must communicate its decision to the learner, or the parent of the learner, as the case may be, within 14 days after receiving the application, and must in the case of a refusal provide written reasons for the refusal. (d) A learner, or the parent of a learner, who has been refused exemption as contemplated in paragraph (c) may, within 14 days of receiving the notice of the decision, appeal to the Head of Department against the decision of the governing body, and the Head of Department must, after considering the reasons for the appeal and the reasons for the refusal by the governing body, communicate his or her decision to the learner or the parent of the learner, as the case may be, and to the governing body, within 14 days after receiving the appeal, and must provide written reasons for his or her decision.’’; and (d) by the addition to subsection (5) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(c) The disciplinary proceedings referred to in this subsection must be age-appropriate, must be conducted in the best interests of the learner, and must adhere to the principles of natural justice, fairness and reasonableness prescribed by the Constitution.’’. Amendment of section 8A of Act 84 of 1996, as inserted by section 7 of Act 31 of 2007

Section 20Verify source

§ 8Section 8A of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

This provision amends school rules on dangerous objects, drugs, liquor, searches, seizure, and discipline.

8. Section 8A of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (1) of the following subsection: ‘‘(1) Unless authorised by the principal for legitimate educational purposes, no person may bring a dangerous object or [illegal] a drug onto school premises or have such dangerous object or drug in his or her possession on school premises or during any school activity. (b) by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) Subject to subsection (3), the principal or his or her delegate may, at random, search a learner or any group of learners, or the property of a learner or group of learners, for any liquor, dangerous object or [illegal] drug, if a fair and reasonable suspicion has been established— that liquor, adangerous object or [an illegal] a drug may be found (a) on school premises or during a school activity; or that one or more learners on school premises or [during] at a school activity are in possession of liquor, dangerous objects or [illegal] drugs.’’; (b) 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 (c) by the substitution in subsection (5) for the words preceding paragraph (a) of 45 the following words: ‘‘(5) Any liquor, dangerous object or [illegal] drug that has been seized must be— ’’; (d) by the substitution in subsection (5) for paragraph (c) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(c) handed over to the police immediately to dispose of it in terms of section 31 of the Criminal Procedure Act[, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977)].’’; (e) by the substitution for subsection (6) of the following subsection: ‘‘(6) If the police cannot collect the liquor, dangerous object or [illegal] drug from the school immediately, the principal or his or her delegate must— (a) take the liquor, dangerous object or [illegal] drug to the nearest police station; and 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 21 21 word van voldoening aan sekere bepalings van die gedragskode weens, maar nie beperk nie tot, die volgende omstandighede wat die leerder onder die aandag van die prinsipaal of beheerliggaam van die skool kan bring: (i) Kulturele oortuigings; (ii) geloofsvierings; en (iii) mediese gronde. (c) By ontvangs van ’n aansoek in paragraaf (b) beoog, moet die skool se beheerliggaam hul besluit aan die leerder, of die ouer van die leerder, na gelang van die geval, oordra binne 14 dae ná ontvangs van die aansoek, en moet in die geval van ’n weiering skriftelike redes vir die weiering verstrek. (d) ’n Leerder, of die ouer van ’n leerder, wat vrystelling geweier is soos beoog in paragraaf (c), kan, binne 14 dae ná ontvangs van die kennisgewing van die besluit, by die Departementshoof appèl aanteken teen die besluit van die beheerliggaam, en die Departementshoof moet, nadat die redes vir die appèl en die redes vir die weiering deur die beheerliggaam oorweeg is, sy of haar besluit aan die leerder of die ouer van die leerder, na gelang van die geval, en aan die beheerliggaam, oordra binne 14 dae ná ontvangs van die appèl, en moet skriftelike redes vir sy of haar besluit verstrek.’’; en (d) deur die volgende paragraaf by subartikel (5) te voeg: ‘‘(c) Die dissiplinêre verrigtinge in hierdie subartikel bedoel, moet ouderdomsgepas wees, moet in die beste belang van die leerder gevoer word en moet aan die beginsels van natuurlike geregtigheid, billikheid en redelikheid deur die Grondwet voorgeskryf, voldoen.’’. Wysiging van artikel 8A van Wet 84 van 1996, soos ingevoeg deur artikel 7 van Wet 31 van 2007

Section 8Verify source

§ 8Artikel 8A van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Provision

The section bans bringing or possessing dangerous objects or drugs at school or during school activities unless the principal authorizes it for lawful educational purposes. It also lets the principal or delegate search learners or their property on reasonable suspicion, and requires seized items to be handed to police immediately.

8. Artikel 8A van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— (a) deur subartikel (1) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: in ’n skoolperseel ‘‘(1) Niemand mag ’n gevaarlike voorwerp of ’n [onwettige] inbring, of sodanige gevaarlike dwelmmiddel voorwerp of dwelmmiddel op ’n skoolperseel, of tydens enige skoolaktiwiteit, in sy of haar besit hê nie, tensy die prinsipaal dit vir wettige opvoedkundige doeleindes gemagtig het.’’; (b) deur subartikel (2) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(2) Behoudens subartikel (3) kan die prinsipaal of sy of haar gedelegeerde ’n leerder of enige groep leerders, of die eiendom van ’n leerder of groep leerders, ewekansig vir enige drank, gevaarlike voorwerp of [onwettige] dwelmmiddel deursoek, indien ’n regverdige en redelike vermoede vasgestel is— (a) dat drank, ’n gevaarlike voorwerp of ’n [onwettige] dwelmmiddel op ’n skoolperseel of tydens ’n skoolaktiwiteit gevind kan word; of (b) dat een of meer leerders op ’n skoolperseel of [tydens] by ’n [onwettige] skoolaktiwiteit drank, gevaarlike voorwerpe of dwelmmiddels in hulle besit het.’’; (c) deur in subartikel (5) die woorde wat paragraaf (a) voorafgaan deur die volgende woorde te vervang: ‘‘(5) Enige drank, gevaarlike voorwerp of [onwettige] dwelmmiddel waarop daar beslag gelê is, moet—’’; (d) deur in subartikel (5) paragraaf (c) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(c) onmiddellik aan die polisie oorhandig word om daaroor te beskik ingevolge artikel 31 van die Strafproseswet[, 1977 (Wet No. 51 van 1977)].’’; (e) deur subartikel (6) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(6) As die polisie die drank, gevaarlike voorwerp of [onwettige] dwelmmiddel nie dadelik by die skool kan afhaal nie, moet die prinsipaal of sy of haar gedelegeerde— (a) die drank, gevaarlike voorwerp of [onwettige] dwelmmiddel na die naaste polisiestasie neem; en 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 8Verify source

§ 22No. 51258Substitution

The section lets a principal or delegate test suspected learners for liquor or drugs, requires the police officer to give a receipt when receiving confiscated items, and allows disciplinary proceedings if liquor, a dangerous object, or drugs are found or a test is positive.

22 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 22 (b) hand the liquor, dangerous object or [illegal] drug over to the police to dispose of it in terms of section 31 of the Criminal Procedure Act[, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977)].’’; (f) by the substitution for subsection (7) of the following subsection: ‘‘(7) The police officer who receives the liquor, dangerous object or [illegal] drug must issue an official receipt for it to the principal or to his or her delegate.’’; (g) by the substitution for subsection (8) of the following subsection: ‘‘(8) The principal or his or her delegate may at random administer a urine or other non-invasive test to any learner or group of learners that is on fair and reasonable grounds suspected of using liquor or [illegal] drugs, after taking into account all relevant factors contemplated in subsection (3).’’; (h) by the substitution in subsection (9) for the words preceding paragraph (a) of the following words: 5 10 15 ‘‘(9) A learner contemplated in subsection (8) may be subjected to a urine or other non-invasive test for liquor or [illegal] drugs only if —’’; (i) by the substitution for subsection (12) of the following subsection: ‘‘(12) A learner may be subjected to disciplinary proceedings if— (a) liquor, adangerous object or [illegal] any drug is found in his or her possession; or 20 (b) his or her sample tested positive for [an illegal] liquor or any drug.’’; and (j) by the substitution in subsection (14) for paragraph (a) of the following paragraph: 25 ‘‘(a) a search contemplated in subsection (2) was conducted and liquor, a dangerous object or [illegal] any drug was found; or’’. Amendment of section 9 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 7 of Act 48 of 1999, section 2 of Act 24 of 2005 and section 7 of Act 15 of 2011

Section 22Verify source

§ 9Section 9 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

This amendment lets a school governing body suspend a learner accused of serious misconduct on reasonable grounds, but only after giving the learner a fair chance to respond. It also lets the principal or delegate run random urine or other non-invasive tests on suspected learners, and requires police to give an official receipt when they take liquor, a dangerous object, or a drug.

9. Section 9 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the 30 substitution for subsection (1) of the following subsection: ‘‘(1) The governing body may, on reasonable grounds and as a precautionary measure, suspend a learner who is [suspected] accused of serious misconduct from attending school, but may only enforce such suspension [only after the learner has been granted a reasonable opportunity to make representations to it in relation to such suspension.] in the following manner: (a) Where a learner is accused of committing the following acts of serious (iii) (iv) (v) (ii) misconduct— (i) physical assault of a learner, employee, or other person related to the school, with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm, or the imminent threat to commit such an act, while on school premises or during any school activity, or in any circumstance that could reasonably be connected to the school; any form of harassment, including sexual harrassment of a learner, employee or other person related to the school, including via electronic and social media; repeated offences related to bullying, or the imminent threat to commit such an act; the illegal possession of a drug or liquor; the repeated disruption of the school programme, or the imminent threat to commit such an act; serious transgressions relating to any test, examination or examination paper; fraud; theft or any other dishonest act to the prejudice of another person; the possession of a dangerous object while on school premises, or during any school activity, or in any circumstance that could reasonably be connected to the school; the possession or distribution of pornographic material; (x) (vi) (vii) (viii) (ix) 35 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 23 23 (b) die drank, gevaarlike voorwerp of [onwettige] dwelmmiddel aan die polisie oorhandig om daaroor te beskik ingevolge artikel 31 van die Strafproseswet[, 1977 (Wet No. 51 van 1977)].’’; (f) deur subartikel (7) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(7) Die polisiebeampte wat die drank, gevaarlike voorwerp of [onwettige] dwelmmiddel in besit neem, moet ’n amptelike kwitansie daarvoor aan die prinsipaal of aan sy of haar gedelegeerde oorhandig.’’; (g) deur subartikel (8) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(8) Die prinsipaal of sy of haar gedelegeerde kan, na inagneming van alle in subartikel (3) beoogde tersaaklike faktore, ewekansig ’n urien- of ander ingreepsvrye toets toedien aan enige leerder of groep leerders wat op regverdige en redelike gronde van die gebruik van [onwettige] drank of dwelmmiddels verdink word.’’; (h) deur in subartikel (9) die woorde wat paragraaf (a) voorafgaan deur die volgende woorde te vervang: ‘‘(9) ’n In subartikel (8) beoogde leerder kan aan ’n urien- of ander ingreepsvrye toets vir [onwettige] drank of dwelmmiddels onderwerp word slegs indien—’’; (i) deur subartikel (12) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: 5 10 15 ‘‘(12) ’n Leerder kan aan dissiplinêre verrigtinge onderwerp word 20 indien— (a) drank, ’n gevaarlike voorwerp of [onwettige] enige dwelmmiddel (b) in sy of haar besit gevind word; of sy of haar monster positief toets vir [’n onwettige] drank of enige dwelmmiddel.’’; en 25 (j) deur in subartikel (14) paragraaf (a) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(a) ’n in subartikel (2) beoogde deursoeking gedoen is en drank, ’n gevaarlike voorwerp of [onwettige] enige dwelmmiddel gevind is; of’’. Wysiging van artikel 9 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 7 van Wet 48 van 1999, artikel 2 van Wet 24 van 2005 en artikel 7 van Wet 15 van 2011 30

Section 9Verify source

§ 9Artikel 9 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deurProvision

The school governing body may suspend a learner from attending school on reasonable grounds as a precaution when the learner is accused of serious misconduct.

9. Artikel 9 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur subartikel (1) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(1) Die beheerliggaam kan, op redelike gronde en as ’n voorsorgmaatreël, ’n leerder wat [vermoedelik] van ernstige wangedrag [gepleeg het] beskuldig word, skors van bywoning van die skool, maar mag sodanige skorsing op die volgende wyse opdwing: [slegs nadat die leerder ’n redelike geleentheid gebied is om vertoë in verband met sodanige skorsing aan hom te rig.] (a) Waar ’n leerder van die pleging van die volgende handelinge van ernstige wangedrag beskuldig word: (i) ﬁsieke aanranding van ’n leerder, werknemer, of ander persoon wat aan die skool verwant is, met die bedoeling om ernstige liggaamlike leed toe te dien, of die naderende bedreiging om so ’n handeling te verrig, op die skool se perseel of tydens enige skoolaktiwiteit, of onder enige omstandigheid wat redelik met die skool kan verband hou; enige vorm van teistering, met inbegrip van seksuele teistering van ’n leerder, werknemer of ander persoon wat aan die skool verwant is, met inbegrip van via elektroniese en sosiale media; (ii) (iii) herhaalde misdrywe wat met boelie verband hou, of die naderende bedreiging om so ’n handeling te verrig; (iv) die onwettige besit van ’n dwelmmiddel of drank; (v) die herhaalde ontwrigting van die skoolprogram, of die naderende bedreiging om so ’n handeling te verrig; ernstige oortredings in verband met enige toets, eksamen of eksamenvraestel; (vi) (vii) bedrog; (viii) diefstal of enige ander oneerlike handeling tot nadeel van iemand anders; (ix) die besit van ’n gevaarlike voorwerp op skoolgronde, of tydens enige skoolaktiwiteit, of onder enige omstandigheid wat redelik met die skool verband kan hou; (x) die besit of verspreiding van pornograﬁese materiaal; 35 40 45 50 55 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 9Verify source

§ 24No. 51258Amendment

A school governing body must suspend a learner immediately in certain serious-misconduct cases, but in other cases may suspend only after the learner gets a reasonable chance to respond.

24 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 24 (xi) (xii) engaging in sexual activity on school premises or committing an act of sexual assault, or the imminent threat to commit such an act; and any other serious act contemplated in Schedule 1 to the Criminal Procedure Act that prejudices the constitutional rights of learners, employees, or other persons related to the school, such learner may be suspended only after the learner has been granted a reasonable opportunity to make representations in relation to the accusation of such serious misconduct; or (b) where a learner is accused of committing the following acts of serious misconduct— (i) murder and attempted murder; (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) breaking or entering any premises with an intent to harm a person; (viii) culpable homicide; any sexual offence including rape; robbery; theft; assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm; any offence under any law relating to the illicit possession of any dependence-producing drugs; or the conveyance or supply of dependence-producing drugs at school and to learners, (ix) which occurs on a school premises or at a school activity, and the learner has been formally charged by the South African Police Service, the governing body must suspend such learner immediately without granting the learner an opportunity to make representations in relation to the accusation of such serious misconduct.’’. Amendment of section 10 of Act 84 of 1996

Section 24Verify source

§ 10Section 10 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

Corporal punishment is abolished, and no person may inflict or impose it on a learner at a school, during a school activity, or in a hostel for learners.

10. Section 10 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsections (1) and (2) of the following subsections: ‘‘(1) [No] Corporal punishment is abolished and no person may [administer] inﬂict or impose corporal punishment [at a school] to alearner at a school, during a school activity, or in a hostel accommodating learners of a school. (2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a [sentence which could be imposed for assault] ﬁne or to imprisonment, or to both such ﬁne and imprisonment, which a court may, in its discretion, determine after considering the circumstances of each case.’’. Amendment of section 10A of Act 84 of 1996, as inserted by section 5 of Act 50 of 2002 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Section 10Verify source

§ 11Section 10A of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

A person must not conduct or take part in initiation practices against a learner at a school, during a school activity, or in a learner hostel.

11. Section 10A of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection (1) of the following subsection: ‘‘(1) A person may not conduct or participate in any initiation practices against a learner at a school, during a school activity, or in a hostel accommodating learners of a school.’’. 40 Amendment of section 12 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 8 of Act 15 of 2011

Section 11Verify source

§ 12Section 12 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theAmendment

This section lets a public school governing body apply in writing for specialised-focus designation, allows the Head of Department to identify and recommend a school, and requires immediate suspension of a learner who is formally charged by police for listed serious misconduct.

12. Section 12 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the 45 insertion after subsection (3) of the following subsections: ‘‘(3A) The governing body of a public school may, in writing, apply to the Member of the Executive Council for the public school to be designated as a public school with a specialised focus on talent as contemplated in subsection (3)(a)(iii). (3B) The Head of Department may, after consultation with the governing body of a public school, identify the school and recommend to the Member of the Executive Council that the school should be designated as a public school with a specialised focus on talent as contemplated in subsection (3)(a)(iii). 50 (3C) The Member of the Executive Council may, in writing, designate a public school from which an application contemplated in subsection (3A) has been 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 25 25 (xi) betrokkenheid in seksuele aktiwiteite op skoolgronde of die pleging van ’n handeling van seksuele aanranding, of die naderende bedreiging om so ’n handeling te verrig; enige ander ernstige handeling in Bylae 1 tot die Strafproseswet, beoog, wat die grondwetlike regte van leerders, werknemers, of ander persone wat aan die skool verwant is, benadeel, (xii) kan sodangie leerder slegs tydelik geskors word nadat die leerder ’n redelike geleentheid gegun is om vertoë oor die beskuldiging van sodanige ernstige wangedrag te maak; of 5 (b) waar ’n leerder beskuldig word van die pleging van die volgende handelinge 10 van ernstige wangedrag— (i) moord en poging tot moord; strafbare manslag; (ii) enige seksuele misdryf, met inbegrip van verkragting; (iii) (iv) roof; (v) diefstal; (vi) (vii) (viii) aanranding met die opset om ernstige liggaamlike leed te veroorsaak; inbraak by enige perseel met die opset om ’n persoon leed aan te doen; enige misdryf kragtens enige wet met betrekking tot die onwettige besit van enige afhanklikheidsvormende dwelmmiddels; of (ix) die vervoer of verskaffing van afhanklikheidsvormende dwelmmiddels op skool en aan leerders, wat op ’n skoolperseel of by ’n skoolaktiwiteit plaasvind, en die leerder is formeel deur die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens aangekla, moet die beheerliggaam sodanige leerder onmiddellik skors sonder om die leerder ’n geleentheid te gun om vertoë oor die beskuldiging van sodanige ernstige wangedrag te rig.’’. Wysiging van artikel 10 van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 12Verify source

§ 10Artikel 10 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deurProvision

Corporal punishment is abolished, and no person may administer it to a learner at a school, during a school activity, or in a hostel housing learners.

10. Artikel 10 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur subartikels (1) en (2) deur die volgende subartikels te vervang: ‘‘(1) [Geen] Lyfstraf word afgeskaf en geen persoon mag by ’n skool, tydens ’n skoolaktiwiteit, of in ’n koshuis wat leerders van ’n skool huisves, lyfstraf aan ’n leerder toedien of oplê nie. (2) Enige persoon wat subartikel (1) oortree, is skuldig aan ’n misdryf en by skuldigbevinding strafbaar met ’n [vonnis wat vir aanranding opgelê kan word] boete of met gevangenisstraf, of met beide sodanige boete en gevangenisstraf, wat ’n hof, na goeddunke, kan bepaal nadat die omstandighede van elke saak oorweeg is.’’. Wysiging van artikel 10A van Wet 84 van 1996, soos ingevoeg deur artikel 5 van Wet 50 van 2002 15 20 25 30 35

Section 10Verify source

§ 11Artikel 10A van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deurProvision

A person must not carry out or take part in initiation practices against a learner at a school, during a school activity, or in a hostel that houses learners.

11. Artikel 10A van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur 40 subartikel (1) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(1) ’n Persoon mag nie enige inisiasiepraktyke teen ’n leerder by ’n skool, tydens ’n skoolaktiwiteit, of in ’n koshuis wat leerders van ’n skool huisves, bedryf of daaraan deelneem nie.’’. Wysiging van artikel 12 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 8 van Wet 15 van 2011 45

Section 11Verify source

§ 12Artikel 12 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur dieAmendment

This section amends section 12 to allow a public school’s governing body to apply for a specialised talent-focus designation, allow the Departmental Head to recommend such a school after consultation, and allow the Member of the Executive Council to designate the school.

12. Artikel 12 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur die volgende subartikels na subartikel (3) in te voeg: ‘‘(3A) Die beheerliggaam van ’n openbare skool kan skriftelik by die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad aansoek doen om die openbare skool as ’n openbare skool met ’n gespesialiseerde fokus op talent soos beoog in subartikel (3)(a)(iii), aan te wys. (3B) Die Departementshoof kan, ná oorleg met die beheerliggaam van ’n openbare skool, die skool identiﬁseer en by die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad aanbeveel dat die skool as ’n openbare skool met ’n gespesialiseerde fokus op talent soos beoog in subartikel (3)(a)(iii), aangewys moet word. (3C) Die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad kan ’n openbare skool wat ’n aansoek in subartikel (3A) beoog, voorgelê het, en ’n skool geïdentiﬁseer en aangewys soos 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 12Verify source

§ 26No. 51258Amendment

26 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 26 received, and a school identiﬁed and recommended as contemplated in subsection (3B), as a school with a specialised focus on talent as contemplated in subsection (3)(a)(iii), if it is in the interest of education in the province and if the school complies with the norms and standards determined by the Minister in terms of subsection (3)(b). (3D) Before designating a public school as a school with a specialised focus on talent as contemplated in subsection (3)(a)(iii), the Member of the Executive Council must— (a) give written notice to the school in question, and to its governing body, of the intention to designate the public school as a school with a specialised focus on talent and of the reasons therefor; (b) notify the parents associated with the school, and the community in which the school is situated, of the intention to designate the public school as a school with a specialised focus on talent and of the reasons therefor— (i) by means of a notice in at least one newspaper circulating in the area where the school in question is situated, if any newspapers circulate in that area; (ii) by causing the principal of the school in question to— (aa) hand to every learner at the school a notice containing the relevant information; and (bb) instruct the learners to hand the notice to their parents; and (iii) by means of any other acceptable form of communication that will ensure that the information is spread as widely as possible; (c) give the school in question, and its governing body, and any other interested persons, an opportunity to make representations within a period of not less than 90 days from the date of the notices and communication referred to in paragraph (b); (d) give due consideration to any such representations received; and (e) be satisﬁed that the employers of staff at the public school have complied with their obligations in terms of the applicable labour law.’’. 5 10 15 20 25 30 Amendment of section 12A of Act 84 of 1996, as inserted by section 8 of Act 48 of 1999

Section 26Verify source

§ 13Section 12A of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

The Member of the Executive Council must notify affected schools and communities, allow representations, and consider them before merging public schools or designating a public school as a specialised focus on talent school.

13. Section 12A of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) Before merging two or more public schools, the Member of the 35 (b) Executive Council must— (a) give written notice to the schools in question, and to their governing bodies, of the intention to merge them and of the reasons therefor; [publish a notice giving the reasons for the proposed merger in one or more newspapers circulating in the area where the schools in question are situated] notify the parents associated with the schools, and the communities in which the schools are situated, of the intention to merge the schools and of the reasons therefor— (i) by means of a notice in at least one newspaper circulating in the area where the schools in question are situated, if any newspapers circulate in that area; and (ii) by causing the principals of the schools in question to— (aa) hand to every learner at each school a notice containing 40 45 the relevant information; and (bb) instruct the learners to hand the notice to their parents; 50 and (iii) by means of any other acceptable form of communication that will ensure that the information is spread as widely as possible; (c) give the [governing bodies of the] schools in question, and their governing bodies, and any other interested persons an opportunity to make representations within a period of not less than 90 days from the date of the [notice] notices and communication referred to in paragraph (b); [consider] give due consideration to any such representations received; and (d) 55 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 27 27 beoog in subartikel (3B), skriftelik as ’n skool met ’n gespesialiseerde fokus op talent soos beoog in subartikel (3)(a)(iii) aanwys, indien dit in die belang van onderwys in die provinsie is en indien die skool voldoen aan die norme en standaarde ingevolge subartikel (3)(b) deur die Minister bepaal. (3D) Voordat ’n openbare skool as ’n skool met ’n gespesialiseerde fokus op 5 talent aangewys word, moet die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad— (a) skriftelik aan die betrokke skool en aan daardie skool se beheerliggaam kennis gee van die voorneme om die openbare skool aan te wys as ’n skool met ’n gespesialiseerde fokus op talent en van die redes daarvoor; (b) die ouers verbonde aan die betrokke skool, en die gemeenskap waarin die skool geleë is, in kennis stel van die voorneme om die openbare skool aan te wys as ’n skool met ’n gespesialiseerde fokus op talent en die redes daarvoor— (i) by wyse van ’n kennisgewing in ten minste een koerant wat sirkuleer in die gebied waar die betrokke skool geleë is, indien enige koerante in daardie gebied sirkuleer; 10 15 (ii) deur die betrokke skool se prinsipaal— (aa) ’n kennisgewing wat die tersaaklike inligting bevat aan elke leerder by die skool te laat oorhandig; en (bb) die leerders te laat opdrag gee om die kennisgewing aan hulle ouers 20 te oorhandig; en (iii) by wyse van enige ander aanvaarbare vorm van kommunikasie wat sal verseker dat die inligting so wyd as moontlik versprei word; (c) die betrokke skool, en sy beheerliggaam, en enige ander belangstellende persone, ’n geleentheid gun om vertoë te rig binne ’n tydperk van hoogstens 90 dae vanaf die datum van die kennisgewings en kommunikasie in paragraaf (b) bedoel; (d) enige vertoë wat aldus ontvang is, deeglik oorweeg; en (e) oortuig wees dat die werkgewers van personeel by die openbare skool hul verpligtinge ingevolge die toepaslike arbeidsreg nagekom het.’’. 25 30 Wysiging van artikel 12A van Wet 84 van 1996, soos ingevoeg deur artikel 8 van Wet 48 van 1999

Section 13Verify source

§ 13Artikel 12A van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Provision

Before two or more public schools are amalgamated, the Member of the Executive Council must notify the schools, their governing bodies, parents, and communities, and allow at least 90 days for representations.

13. Artikel 12A van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— (a) deur subartikel (2) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(2) Alvorens twee of meer openbare skole saamgesmelt word, moet 35 (b) die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad— (a) aan die betrokke skole, en aan hul beheerliggame, skriftelik kennis gee van die beoogde samesmelting en van die redes daarvoor; [’n kennisgewing met uiteensetting van die redes vir die beoogde samesmelting publiseer in een of meer koerante wat in die gebied sirkuleer waarin die betrokke skole geleë is;] die ouers verbonde aan die skole, en die gemeenskappe waarin die skole geleë is, in kennis stel van die voorneme om die skole saam te smelt en die redes daarvoor— (i) by wyse van ’n kennisgewing in ten minste een koerant wat in die gebied sirkuleer waar die betrokke skole geleë is, indien enige koerante in daardie gebied sirkuleer; en (ii) deur die betrokke skole se prinsipale— (aa) ’n kennisgewing wat die tersaaklike inligting bevat aan elke leerder by die skool te laat oorhandig; en (bb) die leerders te laat opdrag gee om die kennisgewing aan hulle ouers te oorhandig; en (iii) by wyse van enige ander aanvaarbare vorm van kommunikasie wat sal verseker dat die inligting so wyd as moontlik versprei word; (c) die [beheerliggame van die] betrokke skole, en hul beheerliggame, en enige ander belanghebbendes die geleentheid bied om binne ’n tydperk van minstens 90 dae na die datum van die [kennisgewing] kennisgewings en kommunikasie in paragraaf (b) bedoel, vertoë te rig; [die] oorweging skenk aan enige sodanige vertoë [oorweeg] wat ontvang is; en (d) 40 45 50 55 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 13Verify source

§ 28No. 51258Commencement

This section sets the process and deadlines for deciding and carrying out a public-school merger, including notice, interim governance, and follow-up steps.

28 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 28 (e) be satisﬁed that the employers of staff at the public schools have complied with their obligations in terms of the applicable labour law.’’; (b) by the insertion after subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2A)(a) The Member of the Executive Council must, within 30 days after receiving the representations referred to in subsection (2)(c), take a decision on whether or not to go ahead with the merger, and— (i) in writing, inform the schools in question, and their governing bodies, of the decision; and (ii) by means of the methods listed in subsection (2)(b), notify the parents associated with the schools, and the communities in which the schools are situated, of the decision. (b) If the Member of the Executive Council fails to act in terms of paragraph (a), the contemplated merger will be deemed to have lapsed. (c) If the decision of the Member of the Executive Council is to go ahead with the merger, he or she must ensure that the merger is proceeded with within 30 days after giving notice as contemplated in paragraph (a).’’; (c) by the substitution for subsection (4) of the following subsection: ‘‘(4)(a) If the Member of the Executive Council decides to merge the public schools in question, he or she must, after consultation with the governing bodies of the public schools that are to be merged, determine, by notice contemplated in subsection (1)— (i) (ii) (iii) the date of establishment of the public school; the name of the public school; and the physical location and official address of the public school. (b) The single school contemplated in subsection (1) must be regarded as a new public school.’’; (d) by the substitution for subsection (6) of the following subsection: ‘‘(6)(a) [The] After the notice as contemplated in subsection (4)(a) has been published, the governing bodies of the schools that are to be merged must have a meeting [before the merger] to constitute a single interim governing body comprising [of] all the members of the governing bodies concerned, which single interim governing body will govern the new school for a period not exceeding three months. (b) The interim governing body must— (i) elect office bearers; (ii) decide on the budget [and]; (iii) reach consensus about differences in codes of conduct and school fees[,] and, if applicable, about contractual obligations and the utilisation and disposal of movable assets; and (iv) make recommendations to the Head of Department on personnel matters, as well as on any issue that is relevant to the merger or which is prescribed in terms of this Act, until a new governing body is constituted in terms of sections 23 and 28. (c) The Member of the Executive Council may extend the period referred to in paragraph (a) once for a further period not exceeding three months.’’; and (e) by the addition of the following subsections: ‘‘(8) A merger contemplated in subsection (1) does not affect the liability of any person to be disciplined or prosecuted for any misconduct, crime or offence. (9) A learner is subject to the code of conduct applicable to the new single public school as from the date of the merger contemplated in subsection (1), but if any proceedings in respect of a charge of misconduct had been instituted or commenced before the date of the merger, such proceedings must continue in terms of the code of conduct relevant to the public school immediately before the merger. 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 (10) The new single public school or the Head of Department, as the case may be, may undertake rationalisation or redeployment of its 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 29 29 (e) tevrede wees dat die werkgewers van personeel by die openbare skole hulle verpligtings ingevolge die toepaslike arbeidswetgewing nagekom het.’’; (b) deur die volgende subartikel na subartikel (2) in te voeg: ‘‘(2A)(a) Die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad moet, binne 30 dae ná ontvangs van die vertoë in subartikel (2)(c) bedoel, ’n besluit neem oor hetsy met die samesmelting voortgegaan moet word of nie, en— (i) die betrokke skole, en hul beheerliggame, skriftelik van die besluit inlig; en (ii) by wyse van die metodes in subartikel (2)(b) vermeld, die ouers verbonde aan die skole, en die gemeenskappe waarin die skole geleë is, van die besluit in kennis stel. (b) Indien die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad versuim om ingevolge paragraaf (a) te handel, sal die voorgenome samesmelting as verstreke beskou word. (c) Indien die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad besluit om met die samesmelting voort te gaan, moet hy of sy verseker dat binne 30 dae nadat kennisgewing soos in paragraaf (a) beoog, gegee is, met die samesmelting voortgegaan word.’’; (c) deur subartikel (4) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(4)(a) As die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad besluit om die betrokke openbare skole saam te smelt, moet hy of sy, ná oorleg met die beheerliggame van die openbare skole wat gaan saamsmelt, by kennisgewing in subartikel (1) beoog— (i) die datum van instelling van die openbare skool; (ii) die naam van die openbare skool; en (iii) die ﬁsiese ligging en amptelike adres van die openbare skool, vasstel. (b) Die enkele skool in subartikel (1) beoog, moet as ’n openbare skool beskou word.’’; (d) deur subartikel (6) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(6)(a) [Die] Nadat die kennisgewing soos beoog in subartikel (4)(a) gepubliseer is, moet die beheerliggame van die skole wat saamgesmelt word, [moet] ’n vergadering [voor die samesmelting] hou om ’n enkele interim beheerliggaam, bestaande uit al die lede van die betrokke beheerliggame, saam te stel, welke enkele interim beheerliggaam die nuwe skool vir ’n tydperk van hoogstens drie maande sal beheer. (b) Die interim beheerliggaam moet— (i) ampsdraers verkies; (ii) besluit oor die begroting [en]; (iii) konsensus bereik oor verskille in gedragskodes en skoolgelde[,] en, indien van toepassing, oor kontraktuele verpligtinge en die gebruik van en beskikking oor roerende bates; en (iv) by die Departementshoof aanbevelings doen oor personeelaange- leenthede, asook oor enige aangeleentheid wat relevant is tot die samesmelting of wat ingevolge hierdie Wet voorgeskryf word, totdat ’n nuwe beheerliggaam ingevolge artikels 23 en 28 saamgestel is. (c) Die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad kan die tydperk in paragraaf (a) bedoel een keer met ’n verdere tydperk van hoogstens drie maande verleng.’’; en (e) deur die volgende subartikels by te voeg: ‘‘(8) ’n Samesmelting in subartikel raak nie die aanspreeklikheid van enige persoon om gedissiplineer of vervolg te word vir enige wangedrag, misdaad of misdryf nie. (1) beoog, (9) ’n Leerder is onderhewig aan die gedragskode van toepassing op die nuwe, enkele openbare skool met ingang van die datum van die samesmelting in subartikel (1) beoog, maar indien enige verrigtinge ten opsigte van ’n aanklag van wangedrag ingestel is of begin het voor die datum van die samesmelting, moet sodanige verrigtinge voortgaan ingevolge die gedragskode wat onmiddellik voor die samesmelting vir die openbare skool gegeld het. (10) Die nuwe enkele openbare skool of die Departementshoof, na gelang van die geval, kan rasionalisering of herontplooiing van die 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 28Verify source

§ 30No. 51258Amendment

If public schools are merged, the new single public school must keep the former schools’ academic programmes in place until they are changed or reorganised by the governing body or education department, where applicable.

30 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 30 workforce according to operational requirements in accordance with sections 189 and 189A of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995), the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (Act No. 76 of 1998), and any ratiﬁed collective agreement that deals with the rationalisation or redeployment of a workforce. (11) If two or more public schools are merged into a single public school in terms of subsection (1), the new single public school continues with all academic programmes offered by the former public schools under the programmes applicable to the respective public schools immediately before the date of the merger, until such programmes are amended or restructured by the governing body or education department, where applicable.’’. 5 10 Amendment of section 21 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 10 of Act 48 of 1999

Section 30Verify source

§ 14Section 21 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

The Head of Department may centrally buy identified learning and teaching support material for public schools, and a governing body may buy it directly if that is more cost effective and it gives documentary proof to the Head of Department.

14. Section 21 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the 15 insertion after subsection (3) of the following subsection: ‘‘(3A) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (1)(c) and (3) and section 22, the Head of Department may, in consultation with the governing body, centrally procure identiﬁed learning and teaching support material for public schools on the basis of efficient, effective and economic utilisation of public funds or uniform norms and standards: Provided that the governing body— (a) may, subject to paragraph (b), procure identiﬁed learning and teaching support material from a supplier where such procurement will be more cost effective than the central procurement of such material by the Head of Department; and (b) must provide the Head of Department with documentary proof that the procurement of the identiﬁed learning and teaching support material from the supplier referred to in paragraph (a) will be more cost effective than the central procurement thereof by the Head of Department.’’. 20 25 Substitution of section 22 of Act 84 of 1996

Section 14Verify source

§ 15The following section is hereby substituted for section 22 of the South AfricanSubstitution

The Head of Department may withdraw one or more functions of a governing body on reasonable grounds, but must follow notice, representation, consideration, and written-decision steps unless there is urgency.

15. The following section is hereby substituted for section 22 of the South African 30 Schools Act, 1996: ‘‘Withdrawal of functions [from] of governing [bodies] body 22. (1) The Head of Department may, on reasonable grounds, withdraw [a function] one or more functions of a governing body. (2) The Head of Department may not take action [under] in terms of 35 subsection (1) unless he or she has— (a) in writing, informed the governing body of his or her intention so to act and the reasons therefor; (b) granted the governing body a reasonable opportunity to make representations to him or her relating to such intention; [and] (c) given due consideration to any such representations received; and informed the governing body of his or her ﬁnal decision, in writing. (d) (3) In cases of urgency, the Head of Department may act in terms of subsection (1) without prior communication to such governing body, if the Head of Department immediately thereafter— (a) furnishes the governing body with written reasons for his or her actions; [gives] grants the governing body a reasonable opportunity to make representations to him or her relating to such actions; [and] (b) (c) duly considers any such representations received; and (d) informs the governing body of his or her ﬁnal decision, in writing. (4) The Head of Department may for sufficient reasons reverse or suspend his or her action in terms of subsection (1) or (3). 40 45 50 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 31 31 werksmag onderneem ooreenkomstig bedryfsvereistes ooreenkomstig artikels 189 en 189A van die Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge, 1995 (Wet No. 66 van 1995), die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998 (Wet No. 76 van 1998), en enige bekragtigde kollektiewe ooreenkoms wat oor die rasionalisering of herontplooiing van ’n werksmag handel. (11) Indien twee of meer openbare skole ingevolge subartikel (1) in ’n enkele openbare skool saamgesmelt word, gaan die nuwe enkele openbare skool voort met alle akademiese programme wat deur die voormalige openbare skole aangebied is kragtens die programme wat van toepassing is op die onderskeie openbare skole onmiddellik voor die datum van die samesmelting, totdat sodanige programme gewysig of herstruktureer word deur die beheerliggaam of onderwysdepartement, waar van toepassing.’’. 5 10 Wysiging van artikel 21 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 10 van Wet 48 van 1999 15

Section 15Verify source

§ 14Artikel 21 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur dieProvision

The Department Head may centrally buy identified learning and teaching support materials for public schools, and a governing body may buy them from a supplier if that is more cost-effective. If the governing body does so, it must give the Department Head documentary proof of the cost-effectiveness.

14. Artikel 21 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur die volgende subartikel na subartikel (3) in te voeg: ‘‘(3A) Ongeag die bepalings van subartikels (1)(c) en (3) en artikel 22, kan die Departementshoof, in oorleg met die beheerliggaam, geïdentiﬁseerde leer- en onderrigondersteuningsmateriaal vir openbare skole sentraal verkry op grond van doeltreffende, effektiewe en ekonomiese benutting van openbare fondse of gelykvormige norme en standaarde: Met dien verstande dat die beheerliggaam— (a) behoudens onderrigonder- geïdentiﬁseerde steuningsmateriaal kan verkry van ’n verskaffer waar sodanige verkryging meer koste-doeltreffend sal wees as die sentrale verkryging van sodanige materiaal deur die Departementshoof; en paragraaf leer- (b), en (b) moet die Departementshoof voorsien van dokumentêre bewys dat die verkryging van die geïdentiﬁseerde leer- en onderrigondersteuningsmateriaal van die verskaffer in paragraaf (a) bedoel, meer koste-doeltreffend as die sentrale verkryging daarvan deur die Departementshoof sal wees.’’. Vervanging van artikel 22 van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 14Verify source

§ 15Artikel 22 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby deur dieProvision

The Department Head may withdraw one or more functions from a governing body, but only on reasonable grounds and subject to notice-and-hearing procedures.

15. Artikel 22 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby deur die volgende artikel vervang: 20 25 30 ‘‘Terugtrekking van werksaamhede van [beheerliggame] beheer- liggaam 35 22. (1) Die Departementshoof kan, op redelike gronde, [’n werk- saamheid] een of meer werksaamhede van ’n beheerliggaam intrek. (2) Die Departementshoof kan nie ingevolge subartikel (1) optree nie, tensy hy of sy— (a) die beheerliggaam skriftelik in kennis gestel het van sy of haar voorneme om op hierdie wyse op te tree en die redes daarvoor; (b) aan die beheerliggaam ’n redelike geleentheid gebied het om vertoë tot hom of haar te rig in verband met sodanige voorneme; [en] enige sodanige vertoë wat ontvang is, behoorlik oorweeg het; en (c) (d) die beheerliggaam skriftelik ingelig het van sy of haar ﬁnale besluit. ingevolge sodanige (3) subartikel beheerliggaam, indien die Departementshoof onmiddellik daarna— (a) aan die beheerliggaam skriftelik redes vir sy of haar optrede In dringende gevalle kan die Departementshoof skakeling met sonder vooraf optree (1) verstrek; 40 45 50 (b) aan die beheerliggaam ’n redelike geleentheid [bied] gun om vertoë in verband met sodanige optrede te rig; [en] enige sodanige vertoë wat ontvang word, behoorlik oorweeg; en (c) (d) die beheerliggaam skriftelik van sy of haar ﬁnale besluit inlig. (4) Die Departementshoof kan, met afdoende redes, sy of haar 55 optrede ingevolge subartikel (1) of (3) herroep of opskort. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 15Verify source

§ 32No. 51258Amendment

If the Head of Department acts under the section, qualified persons must be appointed for up to three months, extendable up to one year, and the appointed persons have exclusive voting and decision-making powers on the functions they perform.

32 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 32 (5) [Any person aggrieved by a decision of] If the Head of Department acts in terms of [this section may appeal against the decision to the Member of the Executive Council] subsection (1) or (3), he or she must appoint sufficiently qualiﬁed persons to perform the withdrawn function or functions, as the case may be, for a period not exceeding three months. (6) The Head of Department may extend the period referred to in subsection (5) by further periods not exceeding three months each, but the total period may not exceed one year. (7) The persons contemplated in subsection (5) must, within the period of their appointment, build the necessary capacity to ensure that the governing body will thereafter be able to perform the functions that it previously failed to perform. (8) The persons contemplated in subsection (5) shall have exclusive voting rights and decision making powers on any function that they have been appointed to perform. (9) Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Head of Department in terms of this section may appeal against the decision to the Member of the Executive Council, and the Member of the Executive Council must communicate his or her decision to the aggrieved person within 30 days after receiving the appeal and must provide written reasons for his or her decision.’’. Amendment of section 23 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 11 of Act 48 of 1999

Section 32Verify source

§ 16Section 23 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

A governing body may co-opt community members or outside persons with relevant expertise to help carry out its functions.

16. Section 23 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— by the substitution for subsection (6) of the following subsection: ‘‘(6) A governing body may co-opt a member or members of the community, or persons from outside the community, with the relevant expertise, to assist it in discharging its functions.’’. 5 10 15 20 25 Amendment of section 24 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 7 of Act 100 of 1997 30

Section 16Verify source

§ 17Section 24 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

This section amends section 24 so the Minister must set the number of members and how they are elected or appointed for each public school for learners with special education needs, and may later change the notice after considering submissions.

17. Section 24 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) Subject to this Act, the [Member of the Executive Council] Minister must, by notice in the [Provincial] Gazette, determine the number of members in each category referred to in subsection (1) and the manner of election or appointment of such members at every public school for learners with special education needs [within his or her province].’’; and (b) by the substitution for subsection (4) of the following subsection: ‘‘(4) The [Member of the Executive Council] Minister must consider all such submissions, and thereafter may alter the notice contemplated in subsection (2).’’. 35 40 Insertion of section 24A in Act 84 of 1996

Section 17Verify source

§ 18The following section is hereby inserted in the South African Schools Act, 1996,Provision

This section applies section 23 to public school governing bodies with a specialised focus on talent, but excludes subsection (5). It also lets the Departmental Head appoint qualified persons temporarily, and requires appeal decisions and reasons to be given within 30 days.

18. The following section is hereby inserted in the South African Schools Act, 1996, 45 after section 24: ‘‘Membership of governing body of public school with specialised focus on talent, including sport, performing arts or creative arts 24A. (1) The provisions of section 23, excluding subsection (5), will apply to a governing body of a public school that provides education with a specialised focus on talent, including sport, performing arts or creative arts, as contemplated in section 12(3)(a)(iii). 50 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 33 33 (5) [Enige persoon wat veronreg voel deur ’n besluit van] Indien die Departementshoof ingevolge [hierdie artikel kan teen die besluit appèl aanteken by die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad] subartikel (1) of (3) optree, moet hy of sy persone met gepaste kwaliﬁkasies aanstel om die ingetrekte werksaamheid of werksaamhede, na gelang van die geval, te verrig vir ’n tydperk van hoogstens drie maande. (6) Die Departementshoof kan die tydperk in subartikel (5) bedoel met verdere tydperke van hoogstens drie maande elk verleng, maar die totale tydperk mag nie een jaar oorskry nie. (7) Die persone beoog in subartikel (5), moet binne die tydperk van hul aanstelling, die nodige kapasiteit bou om te verseker dat die beheerliggaam daarna die werksaamhede sal kan verrig wat hulle voorheen versuim het om te verrig. (8) Die persone in subartikel (5) beoog, het uitsluitlike stemregte en enige werksaamheid wat hulle besluitnemingsbevoegdhede oor aangestel is om te verrig. (9) Enige persoon wat te na gekom voel deur ’n besluit van die Departementshoof ingevolge hierdie artikel, kan teen die besluit appèl aanteken by die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad, en die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad moet sy of haar besluit aan die te na gekome persoon oordra binne 30 dae ná ontvangs van die appèl en moet skriftelike redes vir sy of haar besluit verstrek.’’. 5 10 15 20 Wysiging van artikel 23 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 11 van Wet 48 van 1999

Section 18Verify source

§ 16Artikel 23 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deurProvision

A school governing body may co-opt community members or outsiders with the right expertise to help carry out its work.

16. Artikel 23 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur 25 subartikel (6) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(6) ’n Beheerliggaam kan ’n lid of lede van die gemeenskap, of persone van buite die gemeenskap, met die toepaslike kundigheid, koöpteer om behulpsaam te wees met die verrigting van sy werksaamhede’’. Wysiging van artikel 24 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 7 van Wet 100 van 1997 30

Section 16Verify source

§ 17Artikel 24 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Provision

The Minister must set, by notice, the number of members in each category and how they are elected or appointed for each public school for learners with special education needs, and must consider representations before changing the notice.

17. Artikel 24 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— (a) deur subartikel (2) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(2) Behoudens hierdie Wet, bepaal die [Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad] Minister by kennisgewing in die [Provinsiale Koerant] Staatskoerant die getal lede in elke kategorie waarna verwys word in subartikel (1) en die wyse van verkiesing of aanstelling van sodanige lede by elke openbare skool vir leerders met spesiale onderwysbehoeftes [in sy of haar provinsie].’’; en (b) deur subartikel (4) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(4) Die [Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad] Minister moet alle sodanige vertoë oorweeg, en kan daarna die kennisgewing beoog in subartikel (2) wysig.’’. 35 40 Invoeging van artikel 24A in Wet 84 van 1996

Section 17Verify source

§ 18Die volgende artikel word hierby na artikel 24 in die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet,Provision

Section 23 applies to the governing body of a public school with a specialized focus on talent, except section 23(5).

18. Die volgende artikel word hierby na artikel 24 in die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 45 1996, ingevoeg: ‘‘Lidmaatskap van beheerliggaam van openbare skole met gespesialiseerde fokus op talent, met inbegrip van sport, uitvoerende kunste of beeldende kunste 24A. (1) Die bepalings van artikel 23, subartikel (5) uitgesluit, is van toepassing op ’n beheerliggaam van ’n openbare skool wat onderrig met ’n gespesialiseerde fokus op talent voorsien, met inbegrip van sport, uitvoerende kunste of beeldende kunste, soos in artikel 12(3)(a)(iii) beoog. 50 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 18Verify source

§ 34No. 51258Substitution

The authority may co-opt community members, including relevant experts in the school’s specialised focus, from inside or outside the community.

34 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 34 (2) The authority to co-opt a member or members of the community as contemplated in section 23(6) includes the authority to co-opt relevant experts in the specialised focus of the public school, whether from inside or outside the community.’’. Substitution of section 25 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 4 of Act 57 of 2001 5

Section 34Verify source

§ 19The following section is hereby substituted for section 25 of the South AfricanSubstitution

The Head of Department may dissolve a governing body on reasonable grounds, but must follow notice-and-representation steps first and later appoint interim persons, hold a new election within a year, and handle appeals and reasons in writing.

19. The following section is hereby substituted for section 25 of the South African Schools Act, 1996: ‘‘Dissolution of governing body 25. (1) The Head of Department may, on reasonable grounds, dissolve a governing body that has ceased to perform its functions in terms of this Act or any provincial law. (2) If the Head of Department acts in terms of subsection (1), he or she must appoint sufficiently qualiﬁed persons to perform all the functions of the governing body for a period not exceeding three months. (3) The Head of Department may extend the period referred to in subsection (2) by further periods not exceeding three months each, but the total period may not exceed one year. (4) The persons contemplated in subsection (2) shall have exclusive voting rights and decision making powers on all the functions of the governing body. (5) The Head of Department may not take action in terms of subsection (1) unless he or she has— (a) in writing, informed the governing body of his or her intention so to act and the reasons therefor; (b) granted the governing body a reasonable opportunity to make representations to him or her relating to such intention; (c) given due consideration to any such representations received; and informed the governing body of his or her ﬁnal decision, in writing. (d) (6) If the Head of Department has dissolved a governing body as contemplated in subsection (1), he or she must ensure that a new governing body is elected in terms of this Act, within a year after the appointment of the persons contemplated in subsection (2). (7) Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Head of Department in terms of this section may appeal against the decision to the Member of the Executive Council, and the Member of the Executive Council must communicate his or her decision to the aggrieved person within 14 days after receiving the appeal and must provide written reasons for his or her decision.’’. Substitution of section 26 of Act 84 of 1996

Section 19Verify source

§ 20The following section is hereby substituted for section 26 of the South AfricanSubstitution

A governing body member must declare any personal or financial interest before the body discusses or decides on staff recruitment, staff employment, or procurement for a public school.

20. The following section is hereby substituted for section 26 of the South African Schools Act, 1996: ‘‘Recusal by member of governing body 26. (1) Before a governing body discusses, or decides on, the recruitment or employment of staff, or the procurement of goods and services for a public school, a member must declare to the governing body any direct or indirect personal and ﬁnancial interest that the member or any of his or her family members or close friends or business partners has, including— (a) a personal interest— (i) (ii) in an entity conducting business with the school; or in a business or a commercial or ﬁnancial activity undertaken by the governing body of the school; (b) a ﬁnancial or other obligation to an entity conducting business with the school; and 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 35 35 (2) Die gesag om ’n lid of lede van die gemeenskap te koöpteer soos in artikel 23(6) beoog, sluit die gesag in om tersaaklike kundiges in die gespesialiseerde fokus van die openbare skool te koöpteer, hetsy van binne of buite die gemeenskap.’’. Vervanging van artikel 25 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 4 van Wet 57 van 2001 5

Section 20Verify source

§ 19Artikel 25 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby deur dieProvision

The Department Head may dissolve a governing body that has stopped performing its functions, but only after following notice-and-representation steps.

19. Artikel 25 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby deur die volgende artikel vervang: ‘‘Ontbinding van beheerliggaam 25. (1) Die Departementshoof kan, met ’n beheerliggaam ontbind wat opgehou het om hul werksaamhede ingevolge hierdie Wet of enige provinsiale wet te verrig. redelike gronde, (2) Indien die Departementshoof ingevolge subartikel (1) optree, moet hy of sy persone met voldoende kwaliﬁkasies aanstel om al die werksaamhede van die beheerliggaam vir ’n tydperk van hoogstens drie maande te verrig. (3) Die Departementshoof kan die tydperk in subartikel (2) bedoel, verleng met tydperke van hoogstens drie maande elk, maar die totale tydperk mag nie een jaar oorskry nie. (4) Die persone in subartikel (2) beoog, het eksklusiewe stemregte en besluitnemingsmagte oor al die werksaamhede van die beheerliggaam. (5) Die Departementshoof mag nie stappe ingevolge subartikel (1) doen nie, tensy hy of sy— (a) die beheerliggaam skriftelik van sy of haar voorneme om dit te doen, in kennis gestel het; (b) die beheerliggaam ’n redelike geleentheid gegun het om vertoë oor sodanige voorneme aan hom of haar te rig; (c) die vertoë wat ontvang is, behoorlik oorweeg het; en (d) die beheerliggaam skriftelik van sy of haar ﬁnale besluit ingelig het. (6) Indien die Departementshoof ’n beheerliggaam ontbind het soos in subartikel (1) beoog, moet hy of sy verseker dat ’n nuwe beheerliggaam ingevolge hierdie Wet verkies word binne ’n jaar nadat die persone beoog in subartikel (2), aangestel is. (7) Enige persoon wat te na gekom voel deur ’n besluit van die Departementshoof ingevolge hierdie artikel kan teen die besluit appèl aanteken by die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad, en die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad moet sy of haar besluit binne 14 dae ná ontvangs van die appèl oordra en moet skriftelike redes vir sy of haar besluit voorsien.’’. Vervanging van artikel 26 van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 19Verify source

§ 20Artikel 26 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby deur dieProvision

A governing body member must disclose any direct or indirect interest before the body discusses or decides on staff recruitment, staff employment, or obtaining goods and services for a public school.

20. Artikel 26 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby deur die volgende artikel vervang: ‘‘Onttrekking deur lid van beheerliggaam 26. (1) Voordat ’n beheerliggaam die werwing of indiensneming van personeel, of die verkryging van goedere en dienste vir ’n openbare skool, bespreek of daaroor besluit, moet ’n lid enige regstreekse of onregstreekse belang wat die lid of enige van sy of haar familielede of nabye vriende of sakevennote het, met inbegrip van— (a) ’n persoonlike belang— (i) (ii) in ’n entiteit wat met die skool sake doen; of in ’n besigheid of ’n kommersiële of ﬁnansiële aktiwiteit wat deur die beheerliggaam van die skool onderneem word; ’n ﬁnansiële of ander verpligting aan ’n entiteit wat met die skool sake doen; en (b) 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 20Verify source

§ 36No. 51258Amendment

This section lets anyone report a possible conflict of interest to the chairperson or principal, requires a governing body member to recuse and leave the meeting where they have a personal or financial interest, bars decisions until the member withdraws, and allows the Head of Department to suspend or end membership after due process if the section is breached.

36 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 36 (c) a gift, hospitality, sponsorship or other beneﬁt received from an entity conducting business with the school. (2) Any person may in writing inform the chairperson of a governing body or the principal of a school of a possible conﬂict of interest concerning a governing body member. (3) A governing body member must recuse himself or herself and withdraw from a meeting of the governing body for the duration of the discussion and decision-making on an issue in which the member has a personal or ﬁnancial interest as contemplated in subsection (1). (4) If a governing body has knowledge that a member who is present has a personal interest in a matter, the governing body may not take a decision on that matter until the member has withdrawn as contemplated in subsection (3). (5) Where a governing body member contravenes the provisions of the Head of Department may, after due process as this section, contemplated in the code of conduct for the members of the governing body— (a) (b) suspend the governing body member; or terminate the membership of the governing body member. 5 10 15 (6) This section applies, with the necessary changes, to committees of 20 a governing body and committee members. (7) For the purposes of this section, family member means a parent, sister, brother, child or a spouse of a member of the governing body, and includes— (a) a person living with that member as if they were married to each 25 other, namely a life partner; (b) a relative who resides permanently with that member; and (c) any other relative who is dependent on such member.’’. Amendment of section 27 of Act 84 of 1996

Section 36Verify source

§ 21Section 27 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

Section 27 is amended so that governing body members may not be paid for doing their duties or attending meetings and school activities.

21. Section 27 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the 30 substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) No member of a governing body may be remunerated in any way for the performance of his or her duties or for the attendance of meetings and school activities.’’. Amendment of section 28 of Act 84 of 1996 35

Section 21Verify source

§ 22Section 28 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

This amendment makes section 28 say that the Minister must determine the relevant matter by notice in the Gazette, subject to the Act.

22. Section 28 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the substitution for the words preceding paragraph (a) of the following words: ‘‘Subject to this Act, [and any applicable provincial law, the Member of the Executive Council] the Minister must, by notice in the [Provincial] Gazette, determine—’’. 40 Amendment of section 29 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 12 of Act 48 of 1999

Section 22Verify source

§ 23Section 29 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

This section amends section 29 so that only a parent member of a governing body who is not employed at the public school may serve as chairperson, and the same rule applies to the finance committee chair where reasonably practicable.

23. Section 29 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2)(a) Only a parent member of a governing body who is not employed at the 45 public school may serve as the chairperson of the governing body. (b) Where reasonably practicable, only a parent member of a governing body who is not employed at the public school may serve as the chairperson of the ﬁnance committee of that public school.’’. Amendment of section 32 of Act 84 of 1996 50

Section 23Verify source

§ 24Section 32 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 is hereby amended—Substitution

This section sets conflict-of-interest rules for school governing bodies: anyone may report a possible conflict in writing, a member with a personal or financial interest must recuse themselves, decisions cannot be taken until they do, and the Department Head may suspend or end a member’s membership after due process if the article is breached.

24. Section 32 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for the heading of the following heading: This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 37 37 (c) ’n geskenk, gasvryheid, borgskap of ander voordeel wat ontvang is van ’n entiteit wat met die skool sake doen, aan die beheerliggaam openbaarmaak. (2) Enige persoon kan die voorsitter van ’n beheerliggaam of die prinsipaal van ’n skool skriftelik inlig van ’n moontlike botsing van belange rakende ’n lid van ’n beheerliggaam. (3) ’n Beheerliggaamlid moet homself of haarself onttrek en ’n vergadering van die beheerliggaam verlaat vir die duur van die bespreking en besluitneming oor ’n kwessie waarin die lid ’n persoonlike of ﬁnansiële belang het soos in subartikel (1) beoog. (4) Indien ’n beheerliggaam kennis dra dat ’n lid wat teenwoordig is ’n persoonlike belang in ’n aangeleentheid het, kan die beheerliggaam nie ’n besluit oor daardie aangeleentheid neem nie totdat die lid onttrek het soos in subartikel (3) beoog. (5) Waar ’n beheerliggaamlid die bepalings van hierdie artikel oortree, kan die Departementshoof, ná behoorlike proses soos beoog in die gedragskode vir die lede van die beheerliggaam— (a) die beheerliggaamlid skors; of (b) die lidmaatskap van die beheerliggaamlid beëindig. 5 10 15 (6) Hierdie artikel is van toepassing, met die nodige veranderinge, op 20 komitees van ’n beheerliggaam en komiteelede. (7) By die toepassing van hierdie artikel, beteken ‘familielid’ ’n ouer, suster, broer, kind of ’n gade van ’n beheerliggaamlid, en sluit in— (a) ’n persoon wat saam met daardie lid bly asof hulle met mekaar getroud is, naamlik ’n lewensmaat; ’n bloedverwant wat permanent by daardie lid bly; en enige ander bloedverwant wat van sodanige lid afhanklik is.’’. (b) (c) Wysiging van artikel 27 van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 24Verify source

§ 21Artikel 27 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deurProvision

A governing body member may not be paid by the governing body for doing their duties or attending meetings and school activities.

21. Artikel 27 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur subartikel (2) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(2) Geen lid van ’n beheerliggaam mag op enige wyse vergoed word deur die beheerliggaam vir die uitvoering van sy of haar pligte of vir die bywoning van vergaderings en skoolaktiwiteite nie.’’. Wysiging van artikel 28 van Wet 84 van 1996 25 30

Section 21Verify source

§ 22Artikel 28 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur dieAmendment

This section amends Article 28 of the South African Schools Act by replacing wording about the Minister making a notice in the Government Gazette.

22. Artikel 28 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur die 35 woorde wat paragraaf (a) voorafgaan deur die volgende woorde te vervang: ‘‘Behoudens hierdie Wet [en enige toepaslike provinsiale wet,] bepaal die [Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad] Minister by kennisgewing in die [Provinsiale Koerant] Staatskoerant—’’. Wysiging van artikel 29 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 12 van Wet 48 van 1999 40

Section 22Verify source

§ 23Artikel 29 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deurAmendment

This amendment replaces section 29(2) so that only a parent member of a governing body who is not employed at the public school may serve as chairperson, and, where reasonably possible, only such a parent member may chair the school’s finance committee.

23. Artikel 29 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur subartikel (2) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(2)(a) Slegs ’n ouerlid van ’n beheerliggaam wat nie by die openbare skool werksaam is nie mag as die voorsitter van die beheerliggaam dien. 45 (b) Waar redelik moontlik, mag slegs ’n ouerlid van ’n beheerliggaam wat nie by die openbare skool werksaam is nie as die voorsitter van die ﬁnansieskomitee van daardie openbare skool dien.’’. Wysiging van artikel 32 van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 23Verify source

§ 24Artikel 32 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Amendment

This provision amends section 32 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 by replacing its heading.

24. Artikel 32 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— 50 (a) deur die opskrif deur die volgende opskrif te vervang: This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 24Verify source

§ 38No. 51258Substitution

Learner members of a public school governing body may not contract, vote on liability-imposing resolutions, or take part in staff appointment decisions, and they have no personal liability for consequences of membership.

38 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 38 ‘‘Status of [minors] learners on governing bodies of public schools’’; (b) by the substitution for subsections (1), (2) and (3) of the following subsections: ‘‘(1) A member of a governing body who is a [minor] learner may not contract on behalf of a public school. (2) A member of a governing body who is a [minor] learner may not vote on resolutions of a governing body which impose liabilities on third parties or on the school. (3) A member of a governing body who is a [minor] learner incurs no personal liability for any consequence of his or her membership of the governing body.’’; and (c) by the addition of the following subsection: ‘‘(4) A member of a governing body who is a learner may not take part in meetings at which recommendations for the appointment of staff to the school are decided on, or form part of interview panels relating to the appointment of staff, whether educators or non-educators, or in any other way be involved in the appointment of staff to the school.’’. Substitution of section 33 of Act 84 of 1996

Section 38Verify source

§ 25The following section is hereby substituted for section 33 of the South AfricanSubstitution

The Executive Council member may close a public school by Provincial Gazette notice, but only after giving notice, reasons, representation opportunities, a public hearing, and considering responses, unless no learners are registered. A learner member of a school governing body may not contract for the school, vote on liability decisions, or take part in staff appointment decisions.

25. The following section is hereby substituted for section 33 of the South African Schools Act, 1996: ‘‘Closure of public schools 33. (1) The Member of the Executive Council may, by notice in the Provincial Gazette, close a public school. (2) The Member of the Executive Council may not act [under] in terms (b) of subsection (1) unless he or she has— (a) in writing informed the school and the governing body [of the school] of his or her intention so to act and his or her reasons therefor; [granted the governing body of] notiﬁed the parents associated with the school, [a reasonable opportunity to make representa- tions to him or her in relation to such action] and the community in which the school is situated, of his or her intention so to act and the reasons therefor— (i) by means of a notice in at least one newspaper circulating in the area where the school is situated, if any newspapers circulate in that area; (ii) by causing the principal of the school to— (aa) hand to every learner a notice containing the relevant 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 information; and (bb) instruct the learners to hand the notice to their parents; 40 and (c) (iii) by means of any other acceptable form of communication that will ensure that the information is spread as widely as possible; [conducted a public hearing on reasonable notice, to enable] granted the school, the governing body, the parents associated with the school, and the community in which the school is situated a reasonable opportunity to make representations [to him or her] in relation to such [actions] action; [and] 45 (d) conducted a public hearing, on reasonable notice, to enable the community to make representations in relation to such action; and 50 (e) given due consideration to any such representations received. (3)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2), the Member of the Executive Council may, by notice in the Provincial Gazette, close a public school in his or her sole discretion if no learners are registered at that school. 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 39 39 ‘‘Status van [minderjarige lede van] leerders op beheerliggame van openbare skole’’; (b) deur subartikels (1), (2) en (3) deur die volgende subartikels te vervang: ‘‘(1) ’n Lid van ’n beheerliggaam wat ’n [minderjarige] leerder is, mag nie namens ’n openbare skool kontrakteer nie. (2) ’n Lid van ’n beheerliggaam wat ’n [minderjarige] leerder is, mag nie stem oor besluite van ’n beheerliggaam wat aanspreeklikheid op derde partye of op die skool plaas nie. (3) ’n Lid van ’n beheerliggaam wat ’n [minderjarige] leerder is, loop geen persoonlike aanspreeklikheid vir enige gevolg van sy of haar lidmaatskap van die beheerliggaam op nie.’’; en (c) deur die volgende subartikel by te voeg: ‘‘(4) ’n Lid van ’n beheerliggaam wat ’n leerder is, mag nie aan vergaderings deelneem waar besluite geneem word oor aanbevelings vir die aanstelling van personeel vir die skool nie, of deel uitmaak van onderhoudpanele vir die aanstelling van personeel nie, hetsy opvoeders of nie-opvoeders, of op enige ander wyse betrokke wees by die aanstelling van personeel vir die skool nie.’’. 5 10 15 Vervanging van artikel 33 van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 25Verify source

§ 25Artikel 33 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby deur dieProvision

The Member of the Executive Council may close a public school by notice in the Provincial Gazette, but only after giving the required notices, holding a public hearing, and considering any representations.

25. Artikel 33 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby deur die 20 volgende artikel vervang: ‘‘Sluiting van openbare skole 33. (1) Die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad kan, by kennisgewing in die Provinsiale Koerant, ’n openbare skool sluit. (2) Die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad kan nie [kragtens] ingevolge 25 subartikel (1) optree nie, tensy hy of sy— (a) die skool en die beheerliggaam [van die skool] skriftelik in kennis gestel het van sy of haar voorneme om op dié wyse op te tree en sy of haar redes daarvoor; (b) die [beheerliggaam van] ouers wat aan die skool [’n redelike geleentheid gebied het om vertoë in verband met sodanige optrede tot hom of haar te rig] verbonde is en die gemeenskap waarin die skool geleë is, kennis gegee het van sy of haar voorneme om aldus op te tree en die redes daarvoor— (i) by kennisgewing in ten minste een koerant wat in die gebied waar die skool geleë is, sirkuleer, indien enige koerante in daardie gebied sirkuleer; (ii) deur die prinsipaal van die skool— (aa) ’n kennisgewing aan elke leerder met die tersaaklike inligting te laat oorhandig; en (bb) die leerders te laat opdrag gee om die kennisgewing aan hulle ouers te oorhandig; en (iii) by wyse van enige ander aanvaarbare vorm van kommuni- kasie wat sal verseker dat die inligting so wyd moontlik versprei word; [’n openbare verhoor belê het met redelike kennisgewing, ten einde] die skool, die beheerliggaam, die ouers aan die skool verbonde en die gemeenskap [in staat te stel] waarin die skool geleë is ’n redelike geleentheid gegun het om vertoë in verband met sodanige optrede [tot hom of haar] te rig; [en] ’n openbare verhoor met redelike kennisgewing belê het om die gemeenskap in staat te stel om vertoë in verband met sodanige optrede te rig; en enige sodanige vertoë wat ontvang is, behoorlik oorweeg het. (c) (d) (e) (3)(a) Ongeag die bepalings van subartikel (2), kan die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad, by kennisgewing in die Provinsiale Koerant, ’n openbare skool na sy of haar uitsluitlike diskresie sluit indien geen leerders by daardie skool geregistreer is nie. 30 35 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 25Verify source

§ 40No. 51258Commencement

The Member of the Executive Council may close a public school only if the learner thresholds are met and required notice, consultation, and verification steps are completed.

40 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 40 (b) The Member of the Executive Council may not act in terms of paragraph (a) unless he or she has veriﬁed, by means of a site inspection by an official nominated by him or her, that no learners are registered at that school. (4)(a) The Member of the Executive Council may, by notice in the Provincial Gazette, close a public school if, in the case of a primary school, 135 or fewer than 135 learners are registered at that school, and, in the case of a secondary school, 200 or fewer than 200 learners are registered at that school: Provided that the provisions of this subsection do not apply where the Member of the Executive Council has, before the commencement of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024, acted in terms of subsection (2). (b) The Member of the Executive Council may not act in terms of 5 10 paragraph (a) unless he or she has— (i) given written notice to the school and the parents of the learners of 15 that school; (iii) (ii) by means of a notice in at least one newspaper circulating in the area where the school is situated, if any newspapers circulate in that area, and by means of any other acceptable form of communication that will ensure that the information is spread as widely as possible, given notice of his or her intention to close the school and invited comment; consulted with the parents of the learners of the school and afforded them an opportunity to make representations within a period of not less than 30 days from the date of the notice or communication referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii); and considered any representations and any comments received after publication of the notice or communication referred to in subpara- graphs (i) and (ii). (iv) (5) After the consultation contemplated in subsections (2) and (4)(b), the Member of the Executive Council must decide whether or not to go ahead with the closure of the school and must— (a) inform the school and the governing body of his or her decision; and (b) by means of the methods listed in subsection (2)(b), notify the parents associated with the school, and the community in which the school is situated, of the decision. (6) If the decision is to go ahead with the closure, the Member of the Executive Council must, where applicable and before the closure takes place, make alternative arrangements for the learners of the school to attend another school that is able to accommodate those learners and, where appropriate, make arrangements for the transport of qualifying learners to that school. (7) If a public school is closed in terms of [subsection (1)] this section, all assets and liabilities of such school must, subject to the conditions of any donation, bequest or trust contemplated in section 37(4), devolve on the State unless otherwise agreed between the Member of the Executive Council and the governing body of the school. (8) The Member of the Executive Council, in determining whether to act under subsection (1) or (4), must take into account— (a) the needs, in general, of the broader community in the education district in which the public school is situated; and factors including, but not limited to— (b) (i) the best interests of the child, with emphasis on equality as provided for in section 9 of the Constitution, and equity; (ii) whether there are other schools in the community that are accessible to learners; and the efficient and effective use of state resources.’’. (iii) 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 41 41 (b) Die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad mag nie ingevolge paragraaf (a) optree nie, tensy hy of sy deur middel van ’n terreininspeksie deur ’n beampte wat deur hom of haar benoem is, geveriﬁeer het dat geen leerders by daardie skool geregistreer is nie. (4)(a) Die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad kan, by kennisgewing in die Provinsiale Koerant, ’n openbare skool sluit indien, in die geval van ’n laerskool, 135 of minder as 135 leerders by daardie skool geregistreer is, en in die geval van ’n sekondêre skool, 200 of minder as 200 leerders by daardie skool geregistreer is: Met dien verstande dat die bepalings van hierdie subartikel nie van toepassing is waar die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad voor die inwerkingtreding van die Wysigingswet op Wette op Basiese Onderwys, 2024, ingevolge subartikel (2) opgetree het nie. (b) Die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad mag nie ingevolge paragraaf (a) optree nie, tensy hy of sy— (i) skriftelik aan die skool en die ouers van die leerders van daardie skool kennis gegee het; (ii) deur middel van ’n kennisgewing in ten minste een koerant wat sirkuleer in die area waar die skool geleë is, indien enige koerante in daardie area sirkuleer, en deur middel van enige ander aanvaarbare vorm van kommunikasie wat sal verseker dat die inligting so wyd as moontlik versprei word, kennis van sy of haar voorneme om die skool te sluit, gegee het en kommentaar gevra het; (iii) die ouers van die leerders van die skool geraadpleeg het en aan hulle ’n geleentheid gebied het om vertoë te rig binne ’n tydperk van minstens 30 dae vanaf die datum van die kennisgewing of kommunikasie bedoel in subparagrawe (i) en (ii); en enige vertoë en enige kommentaar wat ontvang is ná publikasie van die kennisgewing of kommunikasie in subparagrawe (i) en (ii) bedoel, oorweeg het. (iv) (5) Ná die oorlegpleging beoog in subartikels (2) en (4)(b), moet die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad besluit of met die sluiting van die skool voortgegaan word of nie en moet— (a) die skool en die beheerliggaam van sy of haar besluit in kennis stel; en (b) deur middel van die metodes gelys in subartikel (2)(b), die ouers verbonde aan die skool, en die gemeenskap waarin die skool geleë is, van die besluit in kennis stel. (6) Indien besluit word om voort te gaan met die sluiting, moet die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad, waar van toepassing en voordat die sluiting plaasvind, alternatiewe reëlings tref vir die leerders van die skool om ’n ander skool by te woon wat die leerders kan akkommodeer en, waar toepaslik, reëlings tref vir die vervoer van kwaliﬁserende leerders na daardie skool. (7) Indien ’n openbare skool ingevolge [subartikel (1)] hierdie artikel gesluit word, moet alle bates en laste van sodanige skool, behoudens die voorwaardes van enige skenking, bemaking of trust beoog in artikel 37(4), die Staat toeval tensy ’n andersluidende ooreenkoms tussen die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad en die beheerliggaam van die skool aangegaan is. (8) Die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad moet, wanneer vasgestel word hetsy kragtens subartikel (1) of (4) opgetree moet word, in ag neem— (a) die behoeftes, in die algemeen, van die breër gemeenskap in die onderwysdistrik waarin die openbare skool geleë is; en faktore insluitend, maar nie beperk nie, tot— (b) 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 (i) die beste belang van die kind, met die klem op gelykheid soos 55 bepaal in artikel 9 van die Grondwet, en billikheid; (ii) of daar ander skole in die gemeenskap is wat waartoe leerders toegang het; en (iii) die doeltreffende en doelmatige gebruik van staatshulp- bronne.’’. 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 40Verify source

§ 42No. 51258Amendment

This section is an amendment heading: it states that section 36 of Act 84 of 1996 is being amended, as already amended by later Acts.

42 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 42 Amendment of section 36 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 5 of Act 57 of 2001 and section 12 of Act 15 of 2011

Section 42Verify source

§ 26Section 36 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

A governing body may not enter into a loan, lease, or overdraft agreement without the written approval of the Head of Department.

26. Section 36 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) Despite subsection (1), a governing body may not, without the written approval of the Head of Department, enter into any loan, lease or overdraft agreement [so as to supplement the school fund, without the written approval of the Member of the Executive Council] for any purpose.’’; and 5 (b) by the substitution in subsection (4)(a) for subparagraph (i) of the following 10 subparagraph: ‘‘(i) [lease,] burden, convert or alter immovable property of the school to provide for school activities or to supplement the school fund [of that school], or lease such property for such purpose: Provided that such approval is not required for a lease of a period not exceeding 12 months; and’’. Amendment of section 37 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 6 of Act 57 of 2001

Section 26Verify source

§ 27Section 37 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

A public school’s governing body must set up a school fund and manage it according to directives from the Head of Department.

27. Section 37 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection (1) of the following subsection: ‘‘(1) The governing body of a public school must establish a school fund and administer it in accordance with [directions] directives issued by the Head of Department.’’. 15 20 Amendment of section 38 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 7 of Act 57 of 2001 and section 7 of Act 50 of 2002 25

Section 27Verify source

§ 28Section 38 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

If a school governing body wants to change an approved budget by 10% or more, or use funds for a different purpose, it must present the change to parents for approval with at least 14 days’ notice.

28. Section 38 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (3) of the following subsection: ‘‘(3) [The] When notice is given to the parents as contemplated in subsection (2) [must also inform]— (a) the budget, together with a document explaining the budget, must be made available to the parents by means of the existing communication channels of the school; and the parents must be informed that the document and the budget will be available for inspection at the school at least 14 days prior to the meeting.’’; and (b) (b) by the addition of the following subsections: ‘‘(4) If a governing body ﬁnds it necessary to— (a) deviate from the initial budget that has been approved as contem- plated in subsection (2), and the deviation will be 10 per cent or more of the initial budget; or reallocate funds for use for a purpose different to that which was approved by the parents as contemplated in subsection (2), (b) the governing body must present such deviation or reallocation to a general meeting of parents convened speciﬁcally for that purpose, on at least 14 days’ notice, for consideration and approval by a majority of parents present and voting. (5) When notice is given to the parents as contemplated in subsection (4)— (a) a document explaining and providing reasons for the deviation or reallocation must be made available to parents by means of the existing communication channels of the school; and the parents must be informed that the document will be available for inspection at the school at least 14 days prior to the meeting. (b) (6) A quorum of 10 per cent of parents is required for the general meetings of parents contemplated in subsections (2) and (4). 30 35 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 43 43 Wysiging van artikel 36 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 5 van Wet 57 van 2001 en artikel 12 van Wet 15 van 2011

Section 28Verify source

§ 26Artikel 36 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Provision

The school governing body may not enter loan or overdraft agreements without the Head of Department’s written approval, and approval is not needed for a lease of less than 12 months.

26. Artikel 36 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— (a) deur subartikel (2) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(2) Ondanks subartikel (2) mag ’n beheerliggaam nie, sonder die skriftelike goedkeuring van die Departementshoof, ’n lenings- of oortrekkingsooreenkoms vir enige doel aangaan [ten einde die skoolfonds aan te vul] nie.’’; en (b) deur in subartikel (4)(a) subparagraaf (i) deur die volgende subparagraaf te vervang: ‘‘(i) die vaste eiendom van ’n skool [uithuur], beswaar, omskep of verander om vir skoolaktiwiteite voorsiening te maak of om die skoolfonds [van daardie skool] of sodanige eiendom vir sodanige doel uithuur: Met dien verstande dat sodanige goedkeuring nie vir ’n verhuring van minder as 12 maande benodig word nie; en’’. Wysiging van artikel 37 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 6 van Wet 57 van 2001

Section 26Verify source

§ 27Artikel 37 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deurProvision

A public school’s governing body must administer a school fund in line with directives issued by the Head of Department.

27. Artikel 37 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur subartikel (1) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(1) Die beheerliggaam van ’n openbare skool moet ’n skoolfonds administreer ooreenkomstig voorskrifte deur die en dit instel Departementshoof uitgereik.’’. 5 10 15 20 Wysiging van artikel 38 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 7 van Wet 57 van 2001 en artikel 7 van Wet 50 van 2002

Section 27Verify source

§ 28Artikel 38 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Provision

The school governing body must give parents budget information, provide an explanatory document, and give at least 14 days’ notice before the meeting where major budget deviations or reallocations are considered.

28. Artikel 38 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— 25 (a) deur subartikel (3) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(3) [Die] Wanneer kennisgewing aan die ouers gegee word soos in subartikel (2) beoog [moet ook die ouers inlig]— (a) moet die begroting, saam met ’n dokument waarin die begroting verduidelik word, aan die ouers beskikbaar gestel word by wyse van die bestaande kommunikasiekanale van die skool; en (b) moet die ouers ingelig word dat die dokument en die begroting minstens 14 dae voor die vergadering by die skool ter insae sal wees.’’; en (b) deur die volgende subartikels by te voeg: ‘‘(4) Indien ’n beheerliggaam dit nodig vind om— (a) af te wyk van die aanvanklike begroting wat goedgekeur is soos beoog in subartikel (2), en die afwyking sal 10 persent of meer van die aanvanklike begroting wees; of fondse hertoewys vir gebruik vir ’n ander doel as wat deur die ouers goedgekeur is, soos beoog in subartikel (2), (b) moet die beheerliggaam sodanige afwyking of hertoewysing aan ’n algemene vergadering van ouers wat spesiﬁek vir daardie doel met ten minste 14 dae kennisgewing byeengeroep is, voorlê, vir oorweging en goedkeuring deur ’n meerderheid van ouers wat teenwoordig is en stem. (5) Wanneer aan die ouers kennis gegee word soos beoog in subartikel (4)— (a) moet ’n dokument wat redes vir die afwyking of hertoewysing verduidelik en verskaf, deur middel van die bestaande kommuni- kasiekanale van die skool aan ouers beskikbaar gestel word; en (b) moet die ouers ingelig word dat die dokument ten minste 14 dae voor die vergadering ter insae by die skool beskikbaar sal wees. (6) ’n Kworum van 10 persent van ouers word vereis vir die algemene vergaderings van ouers beoog in subartikels (2) en (4). 30 35 40 45 50 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 28Verify source

§ 44No. 51258Amendment

If the first parents’ meeting lacks a quorum, the chairperson must set the second meeting’s date, time and place and notify parents 14 days before it, and the principal must send the notice to learners at least 7 days before the second meeting.

44 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 44 (7) If the quorum contemplated in subsection (6) is not reached at the general meeting of parents— (a) the chairperson shall determine the date, time and place for the second meeting of the general meeting and notify parents 14 days prior to such meeting; the principal shall, at least seven days prior to the date of the second general meeting, distribute a copy of the notice to every learner at the school with an instruction to hand the notice to the parents; and there shall be no quorum required at the second general meeting.’’. (b) (c) 5 Amendment of section 38A of Act 84 of 1996, as inserted by section 2 of Act 1 of 2004 10

Section 44Verify source

§ 29Section 38A of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

Section 38A is amended so a governing body may apply to the employer for approval to pay or otherwise benefit a state employee, the application must be filed in writing with full details, the employer may not unreasonably refuse it, and any approved benefit must be shown in the school budget.

29. Section 38A of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) A governing body may apply to the employer for approval to pay a state employee any [payment contemplated in subsection (1)] remuneration, or to give to a state employee any other ﬁnancial beneﬁt, or beneﬁt in kind.’’; (b) by the substitution for subsection (3) of the following subsection: ‘‘(3) Such application must be lodged in writing in the office of the employer and must state— (a) full details of the nature and extent of the [payment] remuneration, other ﬁnancial beneﬁt, or beneﬁt in kind; the reasons for the remuneration, other ﬁnancial beneﬁt, or beneﬁt in kind; if practicable, ﬁnancial beneﬁt, or beneﬁt in kind; the process that will be followed and the resources that will be used to compensate or remunerate the state employee; and the extent of compliance with section 20(5) to (9).’’; the monetary value of the remuneration, other (b) (c) (d) (e) (c) by the substitution for subsection (6) of the following subsection: ‘‘(6) An employer [must] may not unreasonably refuse an application [contemplated] referred to in subsection (2).’’; and (d) by the substitution for subsection (8) of the following subsection: ‘‘(8) The [payment] remuneration, other ﬁnancial beneﬁt, or beneﬁt in kind contemplated in subsection (1) must be reﬂected in the school’s budget, as presented to the general meeting of parents as contemplated in section 38(2), and in such reﬂection in the budget, any remuneration, other ﬁnancial beneﬁt, or beneﬁt in kind must, if practicable, be accorded a monetary value.’’. 15 20 25 30 35 Amendment of section 41 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 5 of Act 24 of 2005 40

Section 29Verify source

§ 30Section 41 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theAmendment

A parent may give the governing body an affidavit instead of the other parent’s income details in certain situations, and if a parents’ meeting lacks quorum, the chairperson and principal must arrange and notify a second meeting on the stated timelines.

30. Section 41 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the insertion after subsection (2) of the following subsections: ‘‘(2A) Notwithstanding subsection (2), a parent may submit to the governing body an affidavit, as proof that the other parent of the learner— (a) (b) is untraceable; is unwilling to provide the ﬁrst-mentioned parent with particulars of his or her total annual gross income; (c) has failed to provide the ﬁrst-mentioned parent with particulars of his or her total annual gross income despite the lapse of a reasonable time after a request by or on behalf of the ﬁrst-mentioned parent that he or she do so; or (d) has provided the ﬁrst-mentioned parent with incomplete or inaccurate particulars about his or her total annual gross income and has refused to rectify the deﬁciency or has failed to do so despite the lapse of a reasonable time after a request by or on behalf of the ﬁrst-mentioned parent that he or she do so. 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 45 45 (7) Indien die kworum beoog in subartikel (6) nie by die algemene vergadering van ouers bereik word nie— (a) bepaal die voorsitter die datum, tyd en plek vir die tweede vergadering van die algemene vergadering en stel ouers 14 dae voor sodanige vergadering in kennis; (b) moet die prinsipaal, ten minste sewe dae voor die datum van die tweede algemene vergadering, ’n afskrif van die kennisgewing aan elke leerder by die skool versprei met ’n opdrag om die kennisgewing aan die ouers te oorhandig; en 5 (c) geen kworum sal by die tweede algemene vergadering vereis word 10 nie.’’. Wysiging van artikel 38A van Wet 84 van 1996, soos ingevoeg deur artikel 2 van Wet 1 van 2004

Section 30Verify source

§ 29Artikel 38A van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Provision

A school governing body may apply to the employer for approval to pay a state employee; the application must be written, include specified details, and the employer may not unreasonably refuse it.

29. Artikel 38A van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— (a) deur subartikel (2) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(2) ’n Beheerliggaam kan by die werkgewer aansoek doen om goedkeuring om aan ’n staatswerknemer enige [betaling in subartikel (1) beoog] besoldiging, of om ’n staatswerknemer enige ander ﬁnansiële voordeel of goederevoordeel, te betaal.’’; (b) deur subartikel (3) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: 15 20 ‘‘(3) Sodanige aansoek moet skriftelik by die kantoor van die werkgewer ingedien word en moet— (a) volle besonderhede van die aard en omvang van die [betaling] besoldiging, ander ﬁnansiële goedere, of goederevoordeel; (b) die redes vir die besoldiging, ander ﬁnansiële voordeel, of 25 (c) goederevoordeel; indien moontlik, die geldwaarde van die besoldiging, ander ﬁnansiële voordeel, of goederevoordeel; (d) die proses wat gevolg sal word en hulpbronne [vermeld] wat gebruik sal word om die staatswerknemer te vergoed of te besoldig; en (e) die mate [vermeld] waarin daar aan artikel 20(5) tot (9) voldoen is, vermeld.’’; 30 (c) deur subartikel (6) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(6) ’n Werkgewer mag nie op onredelike wyse ’n aansoek bedoel in 35 subartikel (2) [beoog], weier nie.’’; en (d) deur subartikel (8) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(8) Die [betaling] besoldiging, ander ﬁnansiële voordeel, of goederevoordeel in subartikel (1) beoog, moet weerspieël word in die skool se begroting, soos dit voorgelê is aan die algemene vergadering van ouers in artikel 38(2) beoog, en in sodanige weergawe in die begroting, moet enige besoldiging, ander ﬁnansiële voordeel, of goederevoordeel, indien moontlik, ’n geldwaarde gegee word.’’. 40 Wysiging van artikel 41 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 5 van Wet 24 van 2005 45

Section 29Verify source

§ 30Artikel 41 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur dieProvision

A parent may give the school governing body a sworn affidavit to prove certain facts about the other parent’s whereabouts or income information.

30. Artikel 41 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur die volgende subartikels na subartikel (2) in te voeg: ‘‘(2A) Ongeag subartikel (2), kan ’n ouer ’n beëdigde verklaring aan die beheerliggaam voorlê, as bewys dat die ander ouer van die leerder— (a) onopspoorbaar is; (b) nie bereid is om die eersgenoemde ouer van besonderhede van sy of haar totale jaarlikse bruto inkomste te voorsien nie; (c) versuim het om die eersgenoemde ouer van besonderhede van sy of haar totale jaarlikse bruto inkomste te voorsien, ondanks die verloop van ’n redelike tyd ná ’n versoek deur of namens eersgenoemde ouer dat hy of sy dit doen; of (d) die eersgenoemde ouer van onvolledige of onakkurate besonderhede oor sy of haar totale jaarlikse bruto inkomste verskaf het en geweier het om die tekortkoming reg te stel of versuim het om dit te doen ondanks die verloop van ’n redelike tyd ná ’n versoek deur of namens eersgenoemde ouer dat hy of sy dit doen. 50 55 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 30Verify source

§ 46No. 51258Substitution

A parent may submit a court order or other documentary evidence to the governing body as additional support for the proof in subsection (2A).

46 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 46 (2B) Although the affidavit contemplated in subsection (2A) constitutes sufficient proof, a parent may also submit to the governing body a court order or any other documentary evidence that would support the proof contemplated in subsection (2A).’’. Substitution of section 42 of Act 84 of 1996

Section 46Verify source

§ 31The following section is hereby substituted for section 42 of the South AfricanSubstitution

This section substitutes a new section 42 dealing with the financial records and statements of public schools.

31. The following section is hereby substituted for section 42 of the South African Schools Act, 1996: ‘‘Financial records and statements of public schools

Section 31Verify source

§ 42The governing body of a public school must—Amendment

The governing body of a public school must keep financial records, prepare annual financial statements within the stated timeframe, present them to parents, and tell parents when the records will be open for inspection.

42. The governing body of a public school must— (a) keep records of all investments, donations and funds received and spent by the public school and of its assets, liabilities and ﬁnancial transactions; [and] (b) as soon as practicable, but not later than three months after the end of each ﬁnancial year, draw up annual ﬁnancial statements reﬂecting all the investments, donations and funds received and spent by the public school in accordance with the guidelines determined by the Member of the Executive Council; (c) present the ﬁnancial records and statements to a general meeting of (d) parents; and inform the parents that the ﬁnancial records and statements will be available for inspection at the school at least 14 days prior to the meeting referred to in paragraph (c).’’. 5 10 15 20 Amendment of section 43 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 10 of Act 31 of 2007

Section 42Verify source

§ 32Section 43 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

The Head of Department may, if necessary and on just cause shown, authorise investigations, request an Auditor-General audit, or appoint forensic auditors for a public school. The governing body must also submit quarterly income-and-expenditure reports within 30 days after each quarter and annual financial statements within six months after year-end.

32. Section 43 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the 25 substitution for subsections (4) and (5) of the following subsections, respectively: ‘‘(4) If the [Member of the Executive Council] Head of Department deems it necessary, on just cause shown, he or she may— (a) authorise suitably qualiﬁed officers to conduct an investigation into the ﬁnancial affairs of a public school and, where necessary, after consultation with the governing body, access documents relevant for the purposes of the investigation; request the Auditor-General to undertake an audit of the records and ﬁnancial statements of a public school; or appoint forensic auditors or forensic investigators to conduct a forensic investigation into the ﬁnancial affairs of a public school. (b) (c) (5) A governing body must submit to the Head of Department[,]— (a) within 30 days after the end of each quarter, a copy of the quarterly report on all income and expenditure in accordance with directives issued by the Head of Department; and (b) within six months after the end of each ﬁnancial year, a copy of the annual ﬁnancial statements, audited or examined in terms of this section.’’. Amendment of section 46 of Act 84 of 1996

Section 32Verify source

§ 33Section 46 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

This section amends section 46 so that a person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and, on conviction, may be fined, imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both.

33. Section 46 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection (4) of the following subsection: ‘‘(4) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and liable, upon conviction, [liable] to a ﬁne or to imprisonment for a period [of three] not exceeding 12 months, or to both a ﬁne and such imprisonment.’’. Amendment of section 48 of Act 84 of 1996

Section 33Verify source

§ 34Section 48 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

This section amends section 48 so a parent may give the governing body a court order or other documentary evidence to support the proof required under subsection (2A).

34. Section 48 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: 30 35 40 45 50 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 47 47 (2B) Alhoewel die beëdigde verklaring beoog in subartikel (2A) voldoende bewys daarstel, kan ’n ouer ook ’n hofbevel of enige ander dokumentêre getuienis aan die beheerliggaam voorlê wat die bewys beoog in subartikel (2A) sal ondersteun.’’. Vervanging van artikel 42 van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 34Verify source

§ 31Artikel 42 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby deur dieProvision

This section says article 42 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 is replaced with a new subarticle about financial records and statements of public schools.

31. Artikel 42 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby deur die volgende subartikel vervang: ‘‘Finansiële rekords en state van openbare skole

Section 31Verify source

§ 42Die beheerliggaam van ’n openbare skool moet—Provision

The governing body of a public school must keep financial records, prepare annual financial statements within three months after each financial year, present them to a parents’ general meeting, and tell parents the records will be available for inspection at school at least 14 days before that meeting.

42. Die beheerliggaam van ’n openbare skool moet— (a) (b) rekord hou van alle beleggings, skenkings en fondse ontvang en bestee deur die openbare skool, en van sy bates, laste en ﬁnansiële transaksies; [en] so spoedig as moontlik, maar nie later nie as drie maande ná die einde van elke boekjaar, jaarlikse ﬁnansiële state opstel wat al die beleggings, skenkings en fondse weerspieël wat deur die openbare skool ontvang en uitgegee is ooreenkomstig die riglyne wat deur die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad bepaal is; (c) die ﬁnansiële rekords en state aan ’n algemene vergadering van ouers voorlê; en (d) die ouers inlig dat die ﬁnansiële rekords en state by die skool ter insae beskikbaar sal wees ten minste 14 dae voor die vergadering in paragraaf (c) bedoel.’’. 5 10 15 20 Wysiging van artikel 43 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 10 van Wet 31 van 2007

Section 42Verify source

§ 32Artikel 43 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deurProvision

The Head of Department may, on good grounds, authorize an investigation or related audit of a public school’s finances, and the governing body must submit quarterly and annual financial reports on time.

32. Artikel 43 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur 25 subartikels (4) en (5) onderskeidelik deur die volgende subartikels te vervang: ‘‘(4) Indien die [Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad] Departementshoof dit, by die aanvoer van goeie gronde, nodig ag, kan hy of sy— (a) gepas gekwaliﬁseerde beamptes magtig om die ﬁnansiële sake van ’n openbare skool te ondersoek en, waar nodig, ná oorleg met die beheerliggaam, toegang kry tot dokumente wat relevant is vir die doeleindes van die ondersoek; (b) die Ouditeur-Generaal versoek om ’n oudit van die rekords en ﬁnansiële state (c) van ’n openbare skool te onderneem; of forensiese ouditeurs of forensiese ondersoekers aanstel om ’n forensiese ondersoek na die ﬁnansiële sake van ’n openbare skool te voer. (5) ’n Beheerliggaam moet— (a) binne 30 dae ná die einde van elke kwartaal, ’n afskrif van die kwartaalverslag oor alle inkomste en uitgawes ooreenkomstig die voorskrifte deur die Departementshoof ; en (b) binne ses maande ná die einde van elke boekjaar ’n afskrif van die jaarlikse ﬁnansiële state, geouditeer of ondersoek kragtens hierdie artikel, aan die Departementshoof voorlê.’’. 30 35 40 Wysiging van artikel 46 van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 32Verify source

§ 33Artikel 46 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deurAmendment

This provision amends Article 46 and says any person who breaches subsection (1) commits an offence.

33. Artikel 46 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur 45 subartikel (4) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(4) Enige persoon wat subartikel (1) oortree, is aan ’n misdryf skuldig en strafbaar, by skuldigbevinding, [strafbaar] met ’n boete of gevangenisstraf vir ’n tydperk van [drie] hoogstens 12 maande, of met beide ’n boete en sodanige gevangenisstraf.’’. 50 Wysiging van artikel 48 van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 33Verify source

§ 34Artikel 48 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Amendment

This provision amends Article 48 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 by replacing subsection (2).

34. Artikel 48 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— (a) deur subartikel (2) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 34Verify source

§ 48No. 51258Substitution

Independent schools that receive the subsidy must send quarterly income-and-expenditure reports within 30 days after each quarter, and audited or examined annual financial statements within six months after each financial year. The Member of the Executive Council may grant the subsidy subject to conditions.

48 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 48 ‘‘(2) The Member of the Executive Council may, out of funds appropriated by the provincial legislature for that purpose, grant a subsidy to an independent school, subject to conditions determined by the Member of the Executive Council.’’; and (b) by the addition of the following subsection: ‘‘(6) An independent school must submit to the Head of Department— (a) within 30 days after the end of each quarter, a copy of the quarterly report on all income and expenditure relating to the subsidy contemplated in subsection (2), in accordance with directives issued by the Head of Department; and (b) within six months after the end of each ﬁnancial year, a copy of the audited or examined annual ﬁnancial statements relating to the subsidy contemplated in subsection (2).’’. 5 10 Substitution of section 51 of Act 84 of 1996

Section 48Verify source

§ 35The following section is hereby substituted for section 51 of the South AfricanSubstitution

Parents who choose home education must apply to the Head of Department for registration, and the Head of Department must register it if the statutory conditions are met.

35. The following section is hereby substituted for section 51 of the South African 15 Schools Act, 1996: ‘‘Home education 51. (1) If the parent of a learner who is subject to compulsory attendance as contemplated in section 3(1) chooses to educate the learner at home, such parent must apply to the Head of Department for the registration of the learner to receive home education. (2) The Head of Department must approve the application and register the learner as contemplated in subsection (1)— (a) if he or she is satisﬁed that— (i) (ii) (iii) education at home, as provided for in this Act, is in the best interests of the learner; the parent understands what home education entails and accepts full responsibility for the implementation of home education for the learner; and the proposed home education programme is suitable for the learner’s age, grade level and ability and predominantly covers the acquisition of content and skills at least compa- rable to the relevant national curriculum determined by the Minister; and (b) if the parent undertakes to— (i) make suitable educational resources available to support the learner’s learning; (ii) monitor the learner’s academic progress; (iii) the learner’s educational attainment arrange for assessed by a competent assessor— (aa) at the end of each phase, up to the end of the year in which the learner reaches the age of 15 years or completes grade 9, whichever occurs ﬁrst; and to be (iv) (bb) against a standard that is not inferior to the standard determined in the National Curriculum Statement; and submit to the Head of Department, at the end of each phase and as evidence of the learner’s educational attainment, the learner’s assessment report, signed by the competent asses- sor. (3) In considering the application, the Head of Department may, on just cause shown and after notiﬁcation to the parent, require a delegated official to conduct a pre-registration consultation with the parents and learner to verify the information supplied in the application documenta- tion and to provide support, where necessary, with the application process. 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 49 49 ‘‘(2) Die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad kan, uit geld wat vir daardie doel deur die provinsiale wetgewer bewillig is, ’n subsidie aan ’n onafhanklike skool toestaan, behoudens voorwaardes deur die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad bepaal.’’; en (b) deur die volgende subartikel by te voeg: ‘‘(6) ’n Onafhanklike skool moet— (a) binne 30 dae ná die einde van elke kwartaal, ’n afskrif van die kwartaalverslag oor al die inkomste en uitgawes rakende die subsidie beoog in subartikel (2), ooreenkomstig voorskrifte deur die Departementshoof uitgereik; en (b) binne ses maande ná die einde van elke boekjaar, ’n afskrif van die geouditeerde of bestudeerde ﬁnansiële jaarstate rakende die subsidie in subartikel (2) beoog, aan die Departementshoof voorlê.’’. Vervanging van artikel 51 van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 35Verify source

§ 35Artikel 51 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby deur dieProvision

Parents who want to home educate a child subject to compulsory attendance must apply to the Head of Department for registration, and the Head of Department must approve and register the learner if the stated conditions are met.

35. Artikel 51 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby deur die volgende artikel vervang: ‘‘Tuisonderrig 51. (1) Indien die ouer van ’n leerder wat onderhewig is aan verpligte bywoning soos beoog in artikel 3(1) verkies om die leerder tuis te onderrig, moet sodanige ouer by die Departementshoof aansoek doen om die registrasie van die leerder om tuisonderrig te ontvang. (2) Die Departementshoof moet die aansoek goedkeur en die leerder soos beoog in subartikel (1) registreer— (a) indien hy of sy oortuig is dat— (i) tuisonderrig, soos in hierdie Wet voor voorsiening gemaak, in die beste belang van die leerder is; (ii) die ouer verstaan wat tuisonderrig behels en volle verantwoordelikheid aanvaar vir die implementering van tuisonderrig vir die leerder; en (iii) die voorgestelde tuisonderrigprogram geskik is vir die leerder se ouderdom, graadvlak en vermoë en hoofsaaklik die aanleer van inhoud en vaardighede dek wat ten minste vergelykbaar is met die betrokke nasionale kurrikulum wat deur die Minister bepaal is; en (b) indien die ouer onderneem om— (i) geskikte opvoedkundige hulpbronne beskikbaar te stel om die leerder se leer te ondersteun; (ii) die leerder se akademiese vordering te monitor; (iii) te reël dat die leerder se opvoedkundige prestasie deur ’n bevoegde assessor geassesseer word— (aa) aan die einde van elke fase, tot die einde van die jaar waarin die leerder die ouderdom van 15 jaar bereik of graad 9 voltooi, wat ook al eerste plaasvind; en (bb) teen ’n standaard wat nie minderwaardig is teenoor die standaard in die Nasionale Kurrikulumverklaring bepaal nie; en (iv) die leerder se assesseringsverslag, onderteken deur die bevoegde assessor, aan die einde van elke fase en as bewys van die leerder se opvoedkundige prestasie, aan die Departementshoof voor te lê. (3) By die oorweging van die aansoek kan die Departementshoof by die aanvoer van goeie gronde en ná kennisgewing aan die ouer, vereis dat ’n gedelegeerde beampte ’n voorafregistrasie-konsultasie met die ouers en leerder doen om die inligting wat in die aansoekdokumentasie verskaf word, te veriﬁeer en om ondersteuning te verleen, waar nodig, met die aansoekproses. 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 35Verify source

§ 50No. 51258Commencement

This section sets rules for registering home education, notifying the Head of Department, and when a learner is exempt from school attendance.

50 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 50 (4) If the Head of Department is satisﬁed that the parent does not meet the requirements set out in subsection (2), or if the outcome of the process set out in subsection (3) fails to satisfy the Head of Department that home education is in the best interests of the learner, the Head of Department must decline to register a learner to receive home education. (5) If a parent educates a learner at home, and that learner has, at the time of the commencement of this section, not been registered as contemplated in this section, the parent must, within 30 days after the commencement of this section, apply to the Head of Department for the registration of the learner to receive home education. (6) If the Head of Department does not respond within 60 days of receipt of an application for home education as contemplated in subsections (1) and (5), the application shall be deemed to have been approved, on condition that the applicant must be able, on request, to produce proof that an application for registration to receive home education was submitted. (7) A learner who is registered to receive home education is exempted from school attendance as contemplated in section 3. (8) The parent of a learner who has been registered as contemplated in subsection (1) or (5) must notify the Head of Department at the end of the— (a) Foundation Phase (grades R to 3); (b) (c) Senior Phase (grades 7 to 9), of his or her intention to continue educating the learner at home. Intermediate Phase (grades 4 to 6); and (9) A parent who wishes to continue educating a learner at home after the learner has reached the age of 15 years or has completed grade 9, whichever occurs ﬁrst, or who wishes to start educating such learner at is not required to apply for registration, as home at such time, contemplated in subsections (1) and (5), or to notify the Head of Department, as contemplated in subsection (8). (10) After a home-educated learner has completed grade 9 or has reached the age of 15 years, whichever occurs ﬁrst, the parent may enrol the learner at a public school or an independent school for the completion of grades 10 to 12. (11) If the parent of a learner contemplated in subsection (9) desires the learner to eventually write the National Senior Certiﬁcate examina- tion, such parent must, before the learner embarks on any studies following grade 9, ensure that the learner complies with the require- ments stipulated in regulation 7(4A) of the Regulations pertaining to the conduct, administration and management of the National Senior Certiﬁ- cate examination (published under R872 in Gazette No. 31337 of 29 August 2008), for a learner receiving home education. (12) The Head of Department must cancel a learner’s registration to receive home education if, after investigation, the Head of Department is satisﬁed that home education is no longer in the best interests of the learner. (13) The Head of Department may not decline to register a learner, as contemplated in subsection (4), or cancel the registration of a learner, as contemplated in subsection (12), before— (a) informing the parent, in writing, of his or her intention so to act and the reasons therefor; (b) granting the parent a reasonable opportunity to make representa- tions to him or her, which opportunity must include discussions relating to such intention; (c) giving due consideration to any such representations received; and (d) providing the parent with written reasons for his or her decision. 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 51 51 (4) Indien die Departementshoof tevrede is dat die ouer nie aan die vereistes uiteengesit in subartikel (2) voldoen nie, of indien die uitslag van die proses uiteengesit in subartikel (3) nie die Departementshoof oortuig dat tuisonderrig in die beste belang van die leerder is nie, moet die Departementshoof weier om ’n leerder te registreer om tuisonderrig te ontvang. (5) Indien ’n ouer ’n leerder by die huis onderrig, en daardie leerder was, ten tyde van die inwerkingtreding van hierdie artikel, nie geregistreer soos beoog in hierdie artikel nie, moet die ouer binne 30 dae ná die inwerkingtreding van hierdie artikel, by die Departementshoof aansoek doen om die registrasie van die leerder om tuisonderrig te ontvang. (6) Indien die Departementshoof nie binne 60 dae ná ontvangs van ’n aansoek om tuisonderrig soos beoog in subartikels (1) en (5) reageer nie, word die aansoek geag goedgekeur te wees, op voorwaarde dat die aansoeker in staat moet wees om op versoek bewys te lewer dat ’n aansoek om registrasie om tuisonderrig te ontvang, ingedien is. (7) ’n Leerder wat geregistreer is om tuisonderrig te ontvang, word vrygestel van skoolbywoning soos in artikel 3 beoog. 5 10 15 (8) Die ouer van ’n leerder wat geregistreer is soos beoog in subartikel 20 Intermediêre Fase (graad 4 tot 6); en (1) of (5), moet die Departementshoof aan die einde van die— (a) Grondslagfase (graad R tot 3); (b) (c) Senior Fase (graad 7 tot 9), in kennis stel van sy of haar voorneme om voort te gaan om die leerder tuis op te voed. (9) ’n Ouer wat wil voortgaan om ’n leerder tuis op te voed nadat die leerder die ouderdom van 15 jaar bereik het of graad 9 voltooi het, wat ook al eerste plaasvind, of wat op daardie tydstip wil begin om sodanige leerder tuis op te voed, hoef nie aansoek te doen om registrasie, soos beoog in subartikels (1) en (5) nie, of hoef nie die Departementshoof in kennis te stel nie, soos beoog in subartikel (8). (10) Nadat ’n leerder wat tuisonderrig ontvang het, graad 9 voltooi het of die ouderdom van 15 jaar bereik het, wat ook al eerste plaasvind, kan die ouer die leerder by ’n openbare skool of ’n onafhanklike skool inskryf vir die voltooiing van graad 10 tot 12. (11) Indien die ouer van ’n leerder bedoel in subartikel (9) wil hê die leerder moet uiteindelik die Nasionale Senior Sertiﬁkaat-eksamen aﬂê, moet sodanige ouer, voordat die leerder met enige studies ná graad 9 begin, verseker dat die leerder voldoen aan die vereistes uiteengesit in regulasie 7(4A) van die Regulasies met betrekking tot die uitvoer, administrasie en bestuur van die Nasionale Senior Sertiﬁkaat-eksamen (gepromulgeer in Goewermentskennisgewing R872 in Staatskoerant No. 31337 van 29 Augustus 2008), vir ’n leerder wat tuisonderrig ontvang. (12) Die Departementshoof moet ’n leerder se registrasie om tuisonderrig te ontvang, kanselleer indien die Departementshoof, ná ondersoek, oortuig is dat tuisonderrig nie meer in die beste belang van die leerder is nie. (13) Die Departementshoof mag nie weier om ’n leerder te registreer, soos beoog in subartikel (4), of die registrasie van ’n leerder, soos beoog in subartikel (12), kanselleer nie, voordat— (a) die ouer skriftelik in kennis gestel is van sy of haar voorneme om aldus op te tree en van die redes daarvoor; (b) die ouer ’n redelike geleentheid gegun is om vertoë aan hom of haar te rig, welke geleentheid besprekings met betrekking tot sodanige voorneme moet insluit; (c) behoorlike oorweging geskenk is aan enige sodanige vertoë wat ontvang is; en 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 (d) die ouer van skriftelike redes vir sy of haar besluit voorsien. 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 50Verify source

§ 52No. 51258Amendment

Parents may appeal certain home-education decisions to the Member of the Executive Council within 30 days, and the MEC must decide the appeal and notify the parent in writing within 30 days of receiving it. The Minister may make regulations for home-education registration and administration.

52 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 52 (14)(a) The parent of a learner may appeal to the Member of the Executive Council, within 30 days of receiving notice— (i) that the Head of Department has declined the application to register the learner to receive home education; or that the Head of Department has cancelled the learner’s registration to receive home education. (ii) (b) If the parent of a learner is of the opinion that any decision of the Head of Department in relation to the home education of the learner in question is unreasonable, such parent may appeal to the Member of the Executive Council within 30 days of receiving notice of such decision. (15) If an appeal contemplated in subsection (14) is received, the Member of the Executive Council must, within 30 days of receiving such appeal, consider and decide on the matter and, in writing, inform the parent of the outcome of the appeal. 5 10 (16) The Minister may make regulations relating to registration for, 15 and the administration of, home education.’’. Amendment of section 59 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 10 of Act 100 of 1997

Section 52Verify source

§ 36Section 59 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Substitution

Schools must provide reasonably required information to the Head of Department or the Director-General. False, misleading, or forged submissions in school admission or fee-exemption applications are an offence.

36. Section 59 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for the heading of the following heading: ‘‘Duty [of schools] to provide information’’; (b) by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) Every school must provide such information about the school as is reasonably required by the Head of Department, or by the Director- General of the [national] Department of Basic Education in consultation with the Head of Department.’’; and (c) by the addition of the following subsection: ‘‘(3) If, when applying for admission to a public school or for exemption from the payment of school fees, the parent of a learner, or any other person— (a) submits or provides information which he or she knows to be false or misleading; submits a document which he or she knows to be forged; or submits a document and claims that it is a true copy of the original when in fact it is not a true copy, (b) (c) 20 25 30 35 such person is guilty of an offence and liable, upon conviction, to a ﬁne or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months, or to both a ﬁne and such imprisonment.’’. Insertion of section 59A in Act 84 of 1996

Section 36Verify source

§ 37The following section is hereby inserted in the South African Schools Act, 1996,Provision

This provision sets a dispute-resolution process and homeschooling appeal rules, and gives the Minister power to make related regulations.

37. The following section is hereby inserted in the South African Schools Act, 1996, 40 after section 59: ‘‘Dispute resolution 59A. (1) If a dispute arises between the Head of Department and a governing body, the following procedure must be followed: (a) All attempts must be made by the parties to resolve the dispute 45 (b) informally. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute informally as referred to in paragraph (a), the following steps must be taken: (i) The aggrieved party must give the other party written notice (ii) of the dispute; and such notice must include a description of the issues involved in the dispute and a proposed resolution thereof. 50 (c) If the dispute has not been resolved within 14 days after the issuing of the written notice contemplated in paragraph (b), each party must This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 53 53 (14)(a) Die ouer van ’n leerder kan by die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad appèl aanteken, binne 30 dae ná ontvangs van kennisgewing— (i) dat die Departementshoof die aansoek om die leerder te registreer om tuisonderrig te ontvang, afgekeur het; of (ii) dat die Departementshoof die leerder se registrasie om tuisonderrig 5 te ontvang, gekanselleer het. (b) Indien die ouer van ’n leerder van mening is dat enige besluit van die Departementshoof met betrekking tot die tuisonderrig van die betrokke leerder onredelik is, kan sodanige ouer binne 30 dae vanaf ontvangs van sodanige besluit by die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad appèl aanteken. (15) Indien ’n appèl beoog in subartikel (14) ontvang word, moet die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad binne 30 dae ná ontvangs van sodanige appèl die aangeleentheid oorweeg en daaroor besluit en die ouer skriftelik inlig oor die uitslag van die appèl. (16) Die Minister kan regulasies uitvaardig met betrekking tot registrasie vir, en die administrasie van, tuisonderrig.’’. 10 15 Wysiging van artikel 59 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 10 van Wet 100 van 1997

Section 37Verify source

§ 36Artikel 59 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Provision

Schools must provide school information reasonably required by the Department Head or the Director-General of Basic Education. A person applying for admission or fee exemption must not give false or misleading information or submit forged/false-copy documents, and conviction can lead to a fine or up to 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.

36. Artikel 59 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— 20 (a) deur die opskrif deur die volgende opskrif te vervang: ‘‘Plig [van skole] om inligting te voorsien’’; (b) deur subartikel (2) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(2) Elke skool moet die inligting oor die skool wat redelikerwys deur die Departementshoof of deur die Direkteur-generaal van die [nasionale] Departement van Basiese Onderwys in samewerking met die Departementshoof vereis word, voorsien.’’; en (c) deur die volgende subartikel by te voeg: ‘‘(3) Indien, wanneer die ouer van ’n leerder of enige ander persoon aansoek doen om toelating tot ’n openbare skool of om vrystelling van die betaling van skoolgeld— (a) (b) (c) inligting voorlê of verstrek wat hy of sy weet vals of misleidend is; ’n dokument voorlê wat hy of sy weet vervals is; of ’n dokument voorlê en beweer dat dit ’n ware afskrif van die oorspronklike is, terwyl dit in werklikheid nie ’n ware afskrif is nie, is sodanige persoon skuldig aan ’n misdryf en strafbaar, by skuldigbevinding, met ’n boete of met gevangenisstraf vir ’n tydperk van hoogstens 12 maande, of met beide en sodanige gevangenisstraf.’’. ’n boete Invoeging van artikel 59A in Wet 84 van 1996

Section 36Verify source

§ 37Die volgende artikel word hierby na artikel 59 in die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet,Provision

If a dispute arises between the Department Head and a governing body, they must first try to settle it informally and, if that fails, use written notice and follow the next steps.

37. Die volgende artikel word hierby na artikel 59 in die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, ingevoeg: ‘‘Geskilbeslegting 25 30 35 40 59A. (1) Indien ’n geskil tussen die Departementshoof en ’n beheerliggaam ontstaan, moet die volgende prosedure gevolg word: (a) Die partye moet alle pogings aanwend om die geskil informeel te 45 (b) besleg. Indien die partye nie in staat is om die geskil informeel te besleg soos in paragraaf (a) bedoel nie, moet die volgende stappe gedoen word: (i) Die benadeelde party moet die ander party skriftelik kennis (ii) gee van die geskil; en sodanige kennisgewing moet ’n beskrywing van die kwessies wat by die geskil betrokke is en ’n voorgestelde oplossing daarvan insluit. 50 55 (c) Indien die geskil nie binne 14 dae ná die uitreiking van die skriftelike kennisgewing beoog in paragraaf (b) besleg is nie, moet This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 37Verify source

§ 54No. 51258Amendment

This section sets out how a dispute between the Member of the Executive Council and a governing body must be handled, starting with informal attempts to resolve it and then a notice, representatives, and possibly an appeal.

54 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 54 (d) (e) nominate a representative within seven days, and those representa- tives must meet within 14 days after their nomination in order to resolve the dispute. If the parties cannot resolve the dispute as contemplated in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c), the governing body may appeal to the Member of the Executive Council against the decision that gave rise to the dispute. If an appeal contemplated in paragraph (d) has been received, the Member of the Executive Council must, within 30 days after receiving such appeal, consider and decide on the matter and, in writing, inform the governing body of the outcome of the appeal. (2) If a dispute arises between the Member of the Executive Council and a governing body, the following procedure must be followed: (a) All attempts must be made by the parties to resolve the dispute (b) (c) informally. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute informally as referred to in paragraph (a), the following steps must be taken: (i) The aggrieved party must give the other party written notice (ii) of the dispute; and such notice must include a description of the issues involved in the dispute and a proposed resolution thereof. If the dispute has not been resolved within 14 days after the issuing of the written notice contemplated in paragraph (b), each party must nominate a representative within seven days, and those representa- tives must meet within 14 days after their nomination in order to resolve the dispute. (3) This section does not apply to matters in respect of which this Act makes provision for an appeal process.’’. 5 10 15 20 25 Amendment of section 60 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 14 of Act 48 of 1999, section 12 of Act 31 of 2007 and section 14 of Act 15 of 2011 30

Section 54Verify source

§ 38Section 60 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

The State is not liable for damage or loss caused by certain acts or omissions linked to business or enterprise activities run under a public school’s authority.

38. Section 60 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection (4) of the following subsection: ‘‘(4) Despite the provisions of subsection (1), the State is not liable for any damage or loss caused— (a) as a result of any act or omission in connection with any enterprise or business operated under the authority of a public school for purposes of supplementing the resources of the school as contemplated in section 36, including the offering of practical educational activities relating to that enterprise or business; or if the provisions of section 36(2) have not been complied with.’’. (b) Amendment of section 61 of Act 84 of 1996, as amended by section 5 of Act 53 of 2000 and section 9 of Act 50 of 2002

Section 38Verify source

§ 39Section 61 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended—Amendment

This section amends section 61 to add topics the regulations may cover, and it sets a dispute-resolution process with written notice, representatives, and an appeal to the Member of the Executive Council.

39. Section 61 of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended— (a) by the insertion after paragraph (a) of the following paragraphs: ‘‘(aA) on the management of learner pregnancy; (aB) on the admission of learners to public schools; (aC) on the prohibition of the payment of unauthorised remuneration or the giving of other ﬁnancial beneﬁts, or beneﬁts in kind to certain employees; (aD) on the minimum norms and standards for provincial educator development institutes and district educator development centres; (aE) on the organisation, roles and responsibilities of education districts; on a national education information system;’’; and (aF) 35 40 45 50 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 55 55 (d) (e) elke party binne sewe dae ’n verteenwoordiger benoem, en daardie verteenwoordigers moet binne 14 dae ná hul benoeming vergader ten einde die geskil te besleg. Indien die partye nie die geskil kan besleg soos beoog in paragrawe (a), (b) en (c), nie kan die beheerliggaam by die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad appelleer teen die besluit wat tot die geskil aanleiding gegee het. Indien ’n appèl beoog in paragraaf (d) ontvang is, moet die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad, binne 30 dae ná ontvangs van sodanige appèl, die aangeleentheid oorweeg en daaroor besluit en die beheerliggaam skriftelik van die uitslag van die appèl in kennis stel. (2) Indien ’n geskil tussen die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad en ’n beheerliggaam ontstaan, moet die volgende prosedure gevolg word: (a) Alle pogings moet deur die partye aangewend word om die geskil (b) (c) informeel te besleg. Indien die partye nie in staat is om die geskil informeel te besleg soos in paragraaf (a) bedoel nie, moet die volgende stappe geneem word: (i) Die benadeelde party moet die ander party skriftelik kennis (ii) gee van die dispuut; en sodanige kennisgewing moet ’n beskrywing van die kwessies wat by die dispuut betrokke is en ’n voorgestelde oplossing daarvan insluit. Indien die dispuut nie binne 14 dae ná die uitreiking van die skriftelike kennisgewing beoog in paragraaf (b) opgelos is nie, moet elke party ’n verteenwoordiger binne sewe dae benoem, en daardie verteenwoordigers moet binne 14 dae ná hul benoeming vergader ten einde die dispuut op te los. 5 10 15 20 25 (3) Hierdie artikel is nie van toepassing op aangeleenthede ten opsigte waarvan hierdie Wet voorsiening maak vir ’n appèlproses nie.’’. 30 Wysiging van artikel 60 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 14 van Wet 48 van 1999, artikel 12 van Wet 31 van 2007 en artikel 14 van Wet 15 van 2011

Section 39Verify source

§ 38Artikel 60 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deurProvision

The State is not responsible for damage or loss arising from certain school-controlled enterprises or from non-compliance with article 36(2).

38. Artikel 60 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur subartikel (4) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(4) Ondanks die bepalings van subartikel (1) is die Staat nie 35 verantwoordelik vir enige skade of verlies as gevolg van— (a) enige handeling of versuim in verband met enige onderneming of besigheid wat onder die beheer van ’n openbare skool bedryf word vir doeleindes van die aanvulling van die hulpbronne van die skool soos in artikel 36 beoog nie, met inbegrip van die aanbied van praktiese opvoedkundige aktiwiteite in verband met daardie onderneming of besigheid; of (b) nie-voldoening aan die bepalings van artikel 36(2) nie.’’. 40 Wysiging van artikel 61 van Wet 84 van 1996, soos gewysig deur artikel 5 van Wet 53 van 2000 en artikel 9 van Wet 50 van 2002 45

Section 38Verify source

§ 39Artikel 61 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig—Amendment

This section amends Article 61 of the South African Schools Act by adding new topics for regulations.

39. Artikel 61 van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig— (a) deur die volgende paragrawe na paragraaf (a) in te voeg: ‘‘(aA) oor die bestuur van leerderswangerskap; (aB) oor die toelating van leerders in openbare skole; (aC) oor die verbod op die betaling van ongemagtigde besoldiging oor die gee van ander ﬁnansiële voordele, of goederevoordeel aan sekere werkgewers; (aD) oor die minimum norme onderwyserontwikklingsinstellings distrikonderwysontwikkelingsentrums; en standaarde vir provinsiale en (aE) oor die organisasie, rolle en verantwoordelikhede van onderwysdistrikte; oor ’n nasionale onderwysinlingtingstelsel;’’; en (aF) 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 39Verify source

§ 56No. 51258Amendment

Regulations may create an offence for non-compliance, with penalties up to a fine or six months’ imprisonment, and certain regulations must be tabled in Parliament before Gazette publication.

56 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 56 (b) by the addition of the following subsections, the existing section becoming subsection (1): ‘‘(2) The regulations contemplated in subsection (1) may provide that any person who contravenes a provision thereof or fails to comply therewith is guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to a ﬁne or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or to both a ﬁne and such imprisonment. (3) Any regulation made under subsection (1)(aA) and (aB) must, before publication in the Gazette, be tabled in Parliament.’’. Amendment of the Preamble of Act 84 of 1996

Section 56Verify source

§ 40The Preamble of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

This section replaces the second paragraph of the Schools Act preamble with new wording about the aims of the school system.

40. The Preamble of the South African Schools Act, 1996, is hereby amended by the substitution for the second paragraph of the following paragraph: ‘‘WHEREAS this country requires a new national system for schools which will redress past injustices in educational provision, provide an education of progres- sively high quality for all learners and in so doing lay a strong foundation for the development of all our people’s talents and capabilities, advance the democratic transformation of society, combat racism and sexism and all other forms of unfair discrimination and intolerance, contribute to the eradication of poverty and the economic well-being of society, facilitate the education of children through the promotion and protection of the right to basic education, protect and advance our diverse cultures and languages, uphold the rights of all learners, parents and educators, and promote their acceptance of responsibility for the organisation, governance and funding of schools in partnership with the State; and’’. 5 10 15 20 Amendment of section 1 of Act 76 of 1998, as amended by section 6 of Act 53 of 2000, section 58 of Act 16 of 2006 and section 15 of Act 15 of 2011 25

Section 40Verify source

§ 41Section 1 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended—Substitution

This section amends the definitions of “educator” and “provincial department of education,” and deletes the definition of “adult basic education centre.”

41. Section 1 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended— (a) by the deletion of the deﬁnition of ‘‘adult basic education centre’’; (b) by the substitution for the deﬁnition of ‘‘educator’’ of the following deﬁnition: ‘‘‘educator’ means any person who teaches, educates or trains other persons or who provides professional educational services, including professional therapy and education psychological services, at any public school[,] or departmental office [or adult basic education centre] and who is appointed in a post on any educator establishment under this Act;’’; and 30 (c) by the substitution for the deﬁnition of ‘‘provincial department of education’’ 35 of the following deﬁnition: ‘‘‘provincial department of education’ means a department respon- sible for education in a province and includes all public schools[, further education and training institutions,] and departmental offices [and basic adult education centres] in such province;’’. Amendment of section 5 of Act 76 of 1998

Section 41Verify source

§ 42Section 5 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

The amendment allows regulations to make non-compliance an offence and requires certain regulations to be tabled in Parliament before publication.

42. Section 5 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) The educator establishment of any public school[, further education and training institution,] or departmental office [or adult basic education centre] under the control of a provincial department of education shall, subject to the norms prescribed for the provisioning of posts, consist of the posts allocated to the said school[, institution,] or office [or centre] by the Head of Department from the educator establishment of that department.’’. 40 45 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 57 57 (b) deur die volgende subartikels by te voeg, sodat die bestaande artikel subartikel (1) word: ‘‘(2) Die regulasies in subartikel (1) beoog, kan bepaal dat enige persoon wat ’n bepaling daarvan oortree, of versuim om daaraan te voldoen, aan ’n misdryf skuldig is en by skuldigbevinding strafbaar is met ’n boete of met gevangenisstraf vir ’n tydperk van hoogstens ses maande, of met beide ’n boete en sodanige gevangenisstraf. (3) Enige regulasie kragtens subartikel (1)(aA) en (aB) uitgereik, moet voor publikasie in die Staatskoerant in die Parlement ter tafel gelê word.’’. Wysiging van die Aanhef van Wet 84 van 1996

Section 42Verify source

§ 40Die Aanhef van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deurProvision

This section replaces the second paragraph of the South African Schools Act, 1996 preamble with a new paragraph.

40. Die Aanhef van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet, 1996, word hierby gewysig deur die tweede paragraaf deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘NADEMAAL hierdie land ’n behoefte het aan ’n nuwe nasionale stelsel vir skole wat die onregte in onderwysvoorsiening van die verlede sal regstel, onderwys van progressief hoë gehalte aan alle leerders sal voorsien en op hierdie wyse ’n hegte fondament vir die ontwikkeling van al ons mense se talente en bekwaamhede sal lê, die demokratiese transformasie van die gemeenskap sal bevorder, rassisme en seksisme en alle ander vorms van onregverdige diskriminasie en onverdraag- saamheid sal bekamp, tot die uitwissing van armoede en die ekonomiese welstand van die gemeenskap sal bydra, die onderrig van kinders te fasiliteer deur die bevordering en beskerming van die reg op basiese onderwys, ons verskeidenheid van kulture en tale sal beskerm en bevorder, die regte van alle leerders, ouers en opvoeders sal handhaaf, en hul aanvaarding van verantwoordelikheid vir die organisasie, beheer en ﬁnansiering van skole in vennootskap met die Staat sal bevorder; en’’. Wysiging van artikel 1 van Wet 76 van 1998, soos gewysig deur artikel 6 van Wet 53 van 2000, artikel 58 van Wet 16 van 2006 en artikel 15 van Wet 15 van 2011

Section 40Verify source

§ 41Artikel 1 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierbyAmendment

This provision amends definitions in the Education Employment Act by deleting one definition and replacing two others.

41. Artikel 1 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby gewysig— (a) deur die omskrywing van ‘‘sentrum vir basiese onderwys vir volwassenes’’ te skrap; (b) deur die omskrywing van ‘‘opvoeder’’ deur die volgende omskrywing te vervang: ‘‘ ‘opvoeder’ ’n persoon wat ander persone leer, opvoed of oplei of wat professionele opvoedkundige dienste, met inbegrip van professionele terapie en onderwyssielkundige dienste, by ’n openbare skool[, inrigting vir verdere onderwys en opleiding,] of departementele kantoor [of sentrum vir basiese onderwys vir volwassenes] verskaf en wat aangestel is in ’n pos op ’n diensstaat van opvoeders kragtens hierdie Wet;’’; en (c) deur die omskrywing van ‘‘provinsiale departement van onderwys’’ deur die volgende omskrywing te vervang: ‘‘ ‘provinsiale departement van onderwys’ departement verantwoor- delik vir onderwys in ’n provinsie en sluit alle openbare skole[, inrigtings vir verdere onderwys en opleiding,] en departementele kantore [en sentrums vir basiese onderwys vir volwassenes] in daardie provinsie in;’’. 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Wysiging van artikel 5 van Wet 76 van 1998

Section 41Verify source

§ 42Artikel 5 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierbyAmendment

This section amends section 5 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, by replacing subsection (2) with a rule about how the service state of educators at certain public education institutions is made up.

42. Artikel 5 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby 50 gewysig deur subartikel (2) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(2) Die diensstaat van opvoeders van ’n openbare skool[, inrigting vir verdere onderwys en opleiding,] of departementele kantoor [of sentrum vir basiese onderwys vir volwassenes] onder die beheer van ’n provinsiale departement van onderwys bestaan, behoudens die norme wat vir die voorsiening van poste voorgeskryf word, uit die poste wat deur die Departementshoof aan bedoelde skool[, inrigting,] of departementele kantoor [of sentrum] vanuit die diensstaat van opvoeders van daardie departement toegewys is.’’. 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 42Verify source

§ 58No. 51258Amendment

This section is a heading stating that section 7 of Act 76 of 1998 is being amended.

58 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 58 Amendment of section 7 of Act 76 of 1998

Section 58Verify source

§ 43Section 7 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended—Substitution

Section 7 is amended so that appointments, promotions, and filling educator posts must give due regard to equality, equity, and related democratic values.

43. Section 7 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution in subsection (1) for the words preceding paragraph (a) of the following words: ‘‘(1) In the making of any appointment, [or] in any promotion, and in the ﬁlling of any post on any educator establishment under this Act, due regard shall be had to equality, equity and the other democratic values and principles which are contemplated in section 195(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 [(Act No. 108 of 1996)], and which include the following factors[, namely—]:’’; and 5 10 (b) by the substitution in subsection (2) for paragraph (a) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(a) in a permanent capacity or in a promotion post, whether on probation or not;’’. Amendment of section 8 of Act 76 of 1998, as amended by section 16 of Act 48 of 1999, section 11 of Act 50 of 2002, section 58 of Act 16 of 2006 and section 3 of Act 1 of 2004 15

Section 43Verify source

§ 44Section 8 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended—Substitution

This amendment requires a requested recommendation to be made within two months and lets the Head of Department transfer without that recommendation if it is not made on time.

44. Section 8 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (4) of the following subsection: ‘‘(4) A recommendation contemplated in subsection (2) shall be made within two months from the date on which a governing body [or council] was requested to make a recommendation, failing which the Head of Department may make a transfer without such recommendation.’’; and (b) by the substitution for subsection (7) of the following subsection: ‘‘(7) Despite section 6(3)(a) and subsection (2), in the case of an educator who has been awarded a bursary by the employer to follow a course approved by the employer, the employer may transfer such an educator, with his or her consent, to any suitable post on the educator establishment of a public school [or an adult education and training centre].’’. Amendment of section 9 of Act 76 of 1998

Section 44Verify source

§ 45Section 9 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

Section 9 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 is amended by replacing paragraph (a) in subsection (1).

45. Section 9 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (a) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(a) another Department of Basic Education, or another department;’’. Amendment of section 11 of Act 76 of 1998

Section 45Verify source

§ 46Section 11 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

This provision amends section 11 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, changing the grounds on which an educator may be discharged.

46. Section 11 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraphs (b) and (c) of the following paragraphs: (c) ‘‘(b) on account of the abolition of the educator’s post or any reduction in, or reorganisation or readjustment of the post establishments of, departments, schools[, institutions,] or offices [or centres]; if, for reasons other than the educator’s own unﬁtness or incapacity, the educator’s discharge will promote efficiency or economy in the department, school[, institution,] or office [or centre] in which the educator is employed, or will otherwise be in the interest of the State;’’. 20 25 30 35 40 Amendment of section 17 of Act 76 of 1998, as amended by section 10 of Act 53 of 2000 45

Section 46Verify source

§ 47Section 17 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended—Amendment

Section 17 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 is amended.

47. Section 17 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended— This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 59 Wysiging van artikel 7 van Wet 76 van 1998 59

Section 47Verify source

§ 43Artikel 7 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierbyAmendment

This amendment changes Article 7 so that appointments, promotions, and filling educator posts must properly consider equality, fairness, and related constitutional democratic values.

43. Artikel 7 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby gewysig— (a) Deur in subartikel (1) die woorde wat paragraaf (a) voorafgaan deur die volgende woorde te vervang: ‘‘(1) By die doen van ’n aanstelling, [of] in enige bevordering, en in die vul van ’n pos op ’n diensstaat van opvoeders kragtens hierdie Wet, moet gelykheid, billikheid en die ander demokratiese waardes en beginsels wat in artikel 195(1) van die Grondwet van die Republiek van Suid-Afrika, 1996 [(Wet No. 108 van 1996)], beoog word en wat die volgende faktore insluit, behoorlik in ag geneem word[, naamlik—]:’’; en (b) deur in subartikel (2) paragraaf (a) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(a) in ’n permanente hoedanigheid of in ’n bevorderingspos, hetsy op proef al dan nie;’’. Wysiging van artikel 8 van Wet 76 van 1998, soos gewysig deur artikel 16 van Wet 48 van 1999, artikel 11 van Wet 50 van 2002, artikel 58 van Wet 16 van 2006 en artikel 3 van Wet 1 van 2004

Section 43Verify source

§ 44Artikel 8 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierbyAmendment

This amendment gives the employer a limited power to transfer a scholarship-funded educator to a suitable post with the educator’s consent, and lets the Head of Department transfer without the recommendation if it is not made within two months.

44. Artikel 8 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby gewysig— (a) deur subartikel (4) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(4) ’n Aanbeveling in subartikel (2) beoog, moet gedoen word binne twee maande vanaf die datum waarop ’n beheerliggaam [of -raad] versoek is om ’n aanbeveling te doen, en by gebreke daarvan kan die Departementshoof ’n verplasing doen sonder die aanbeveling.’’; en (b) deur subartikel (7) deur die volgende subartikel te vervang: ‘‘(7) Ondanks artikel 6(3)(a) en subartikel (2) kan die werkgewer, in die geval van ’n opvoeder aan wie ’n beurs deur die werkgewer toegeken is om ’n kursus te volg wat die werkgewer goedgekeur het, so ’n opvoeder, met die instemming van die opvoeder, verplaas na enige geskikte pos op die opvoederdiensstaat van ’n openbare skool[, inrigting vir verdere onderwys en opleiding of sentrum vir basiese verdere onderwys en opleiding vir volwassenes].’’. 5 10 15 20 25 30 Wysiging van artikel 9 van Wet 76 van 1998

Section 44Verify source

§ 45Artikel 9 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierbyAmendment

This provision amends Article 9 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 by replacing paragraph (a) in subsection (1).

45. Artikel 9 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby 35 gewysig deur in subartikel (1) paragraaf (a) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(a) ’n ander [onderwysdepartement] Departement van Basiese Onderwys, of ’n ander departement;’’. Wysiging van artikel 11 van Wet 76 van 1998

Section 45Verify source

§ 46Artikel 11 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierbyAmendment

This provision amends section 11 of the Employment of Educators Act by replacing wording about when an educator may be dismissed.

46. Artikel 11 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby gewysig deur in subartikel (1) paragrawe (b) en (c) deur die volgende paragrawe te vervang: (c) ‘‘(b) weens die afskaffing van die opvoeder se pos of ’n vermindering of reorganisasie of herreëling van die diensstate van departemente, skole, [inrigtings,] of kantore [of sentrums]; indien, om ander redes as die opvoeder se eie ongeskiktheid of onvermoë, die opvoeder se ontslag doeltreffendheid of besuiniging sal bevorder in die departement, skool[, inrigting,] of kantoor [of sentrum] waarin die opvoeder in diens is, of andersins in belang van die Staat sal wees;’’. 40 45 Wysiging van artikel 17 van Wet 76 van 1998, soos gewysig deur artikel 10 van Wet 53 van 2000 50

Section 46Verify source

§ 47Artikel 17 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierbyAmendment

This provision amends Article 17 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998.

47. Artikel 17 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby gewysig— This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 47Verify source

§ 60No. 51258Amendment

This amendment adds a misconduct category for educators: they must not commit any act that another law classifies as serious misconduct, where that law applies to the educator’s employment.

60 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 60 (a) by the deletion in subsection (1) of the word ‘‘or’’ at the end of paragraph (e); (b) by the insertion in subsection (1) of a semi-colon and the word ‘‘or’’ at the end of paragraph (f); and (c) by the addition to subsection (1) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(g) committing any other act which, in any other law that applies to the educator in so far as his or her employment is concerned, is classiﬁed as serious misconduct.’’. 5 Amendment of section 18 of Act 76 of 1998, as amended by section 11 of Act 53 of 2000, and section 58 of Act 16 of 2006

Section 60Verify source

§ 48Section 18 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended—Substitution

This section amends section 18 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, by replacing several misconduct descriptions.

48. Section 18 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended— 10 (a) by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (b) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(b) wilfully or negligently mismanages the ﬁnances of the State[,] or a school [or an adult learning centre];’’; (b) by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (c) of the following 15 paragraph: ‘‘(c) without permission possesses or wrongfully uses the property of the State, a school, [an adult learning centre,] another employee or a visitor;’’; (c) by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (d) of the following 20 paragraph: ‘‘(d) wilfully, intentionally or negligently damages or causes loss to the property of the State[,] or a school [or an adult learning centre];’’; (d) by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (f) of the following paragraph: 25 ‘‘(f) unjustiﬁably prejudices the administration, discipline or efficiency of the Department of Basic Education, a provincial department of education, an office of the State or a school [or adult learning centre];’’; and (e) by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (g) of the following 30 paragraph: ‘‘(g) misuses his or her position in the Department of Basic Education, a provincial department of education or a school [or adult learning centre] to promote or to prejudice the interests of any person;’’. Insertion of section 19 in Act 76 of 1998 35

Section 48Verify source

§ 49The Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the insertion afterAmendment

Educators may not do business with the State or act as directors of companies that do business with the State. Breach is an offence, can lead to a fine or up to five years’ imprisonment, and may require dismissal after a guilty finding in a disciplinary process.

49. The Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the insertion after section 18 of the following section: ‘‘Conducting business with State 19. (1) An educator may not— (a) conduct business with the State; or (b) be a director of a public or private company conducting business 40 with the State. (2) A contravention of subsection (1)— (a) is an offence, and any person found guilty of such offence is liable, on conviction, to a ﬁne or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding ﬁve years, or to both a ﬁne and such imprisonment; and (b) constitutes serious misconduct, and the employer must terminate the employment of any person who is alleged to have contravened the subsection and who, during a disciplinary process, is found guilty of such misconduct.’’. 45 50 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 61 61 (a) deur in subartikel (1) die woord ‘‘of’’ aan die einde van paragraaf (e) in te voeg; (b) deur in subartikel (1) ’n kommapunt en die woord ‘‘of’’ aan die einde van paragraaf (f) in te voeg; en (c) deur die volgende paragraaf by subartikel (1) te voeg: 5 ‘‘(g) die pleging van enigiets anders wat, in enige ander wet wat op die opvoeder van toepassing is vir sover dit sy of haar indiensneming betref, as ernstige wangedrag geklassiﬁseer word.’’. Wysiging van artikel 18 van Wet 76 van 1998, soos gewysig deur artikel 11 van Wet 53 van 2000, en artikel 58 van Wet 16 van 2006 10

Section 49Verify source

§ 48Artikel 18 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierbyAmendment

Section 18 is amended to replace several misconduct grounds for educators.

48. Artikel 18 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby gewysig— (a) deur in subartikel (1) paragraaf (b) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(b) die ﬁnansies van die Staat[,] of ’n skool, ’n inrigting vir verdere ’n sentrum vir onderwys vir onderwys en opleiding [of volwassenes] opsetlik of nalatig wanbestuur;’’; (b) deur in subartikel (1) paragraaf (c) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(c) sonder toestemming die eiendom van die Staat, ’n skool, [’n inrigting vir verdere onderwys en opleiding, ’n sentrum vir onderwys vir volwassenes,] ’n ander werknemer of ’n besoeker in besit neem of wederregtelik gebruik;’’; (c) deur in subartikel (1) paragraaf (d) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(d) opsetlik, met voorbedagte rade of nalatig die eiendom van die Staat[,] of ’n skool, [’n inrigting vir verdere onderwys en opleiding of ’n sentrum vir onderwys vir volwassenes] beskadig of skade berokken;’’; (d) deur in subartikel (1) paragraaf (f) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(f) die dissipline administrasie, die Departement van Basiese Onderwys, ’n provinsiale departement van onderwys, ’n Staatskantoor[,] of ’n skool[, ’n inrigting vir verdere onderwys en opleiding of ’n sentrum vir onderwys vir volwassenes ongeregverdig benadeel];’’; en doeltreffendheid van of (e) deur in subartikel (1) paragraaf (g) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(g) sy of haar posisie in die Departement van Basiese Onderwys, ’n provinsiale departement van onderwys of ’n skool[, ’n inrigting vir verdere onderwys en opleiding of ’n sentrum vir onderwys vir volwassenes] misbruik ten einde die belange van enige persoon te bevorder of te benadeel;’’. 15 20 25 30 35 Invoeging van artikel 19 in Wet 76 van 1998

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§ 49Die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby gewysig deurOffence

An educator may not do business with the State or be a director of a company that does business with the State; breaching this is an offence and can lead to a fine, up to five years’ imprisonment, or both.

49. Die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby gewysig deur 40 die volgende artikel na artikel 18 in te voeg: ‘‘Doen van sake met staat 19. (1) ’n Opvoeder mag nie— (a) (b) sake met die Staat doen nie; of ’n direkteur wees van ’n openbare of private maatskappy wat met die Staat sake doen nie. (2) ’n Oortreding van subartikel (1)— (a) (b) is ’n misdryf, en enige persoon wat aan sodanige misdryf skuldig bevind word, is, by skuldigbevinding, strafbaar met ’n boete of met gevangenisstraf vir ’n tydperk van hoogstens vyf jaar, of met beide ’n boete en sodanige gevangenisstraf; en stel ernstige wangedrag daar, en die werkgewer moet die diens van enige persoon wat na bewering die subartikel oortree het en wat tydens ’n dissiplinêre proses aan sodanige wangedrag skuldig bevind word, beëindig.’’. 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 49Verify source

§ 62No. 51258Amendment

This section is an amendment heading for section 35 of Act 76 of 1998.

62 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 Act No. 32 of 2024 basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 62 Amendment of section 35 of Act 76 of 1998

Section 62Verify source

§ 50Section 35 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended by theRepeal

This section amends section 35 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 by adding a paragraph on norms and standards for district staffing.

50. Section 35 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the insertion after paragraph (c) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(cA) norms and standards for district staffing;’’. Repeal of section 38 of Act 76 of 1998 5

Section 50Verify source

§ 51Section 38 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby repealed.Repeal

This section repeals section 38 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998.

51. Section 38 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby repealed. Amendment of Schedule 1 to Act 76 of 1998, as inserted by section 15 of Act 53 of 2000 and amended by section 12 of Act 50 of 2002

Section 51Verify source

§ 52Schedule 1 to the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended by theSubstitution

This provision amends Schedule 1 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 by replacing paragraph (a) in item 1(2) with wording about how incapacity affects departmental or school work.

52. Schedule 1 to the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended by the substitution in item 1(2) for paragraph (a) of the following paragraph: 10 ‘‘(a) the extent to which the incapacity impacts on the work of the Department of Basic Education [or], the provincial department of education, or the public school[, public further education and training institution or public adult learning centre];’’. Amendment of Schedule 2 to Act 76 of 1998, as inserted by section 15 of Act 53 of 2000 and amended by sections 8 to 11 of Act 57 of 2001, section 13 of Act 50 of 2002 and section 6 of Act 1 of 2004 15

Section 52Verify source

§ 53Schedule 2 to the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended—Short title

This section amends Schedule 2 of the Employment of Educators Act, including how certain misconduct is described and requiring the MEC or Minister to consider an appeal within 30 days.

53. Schedule 2 to the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution in item 3(3) for paragraph (a) of the following paragraph: 20 ‘‘(a) the extent to which the misconduct impacts on the work of the Department of Basic Education, the [or] provincial department of education, or the public school[, public further education and training institution or public adult learning centre];’’; and (b) by the substitution in item 9(5) for the words preceding paragraph (a) of the 25 following words: ‘‘(5) The Member of the Executive Council or the Minister, as the case may be, must, within 30 days after receiving the appeal, consider the appeal, and may—’’. Short title 30

Section 53Verify source

§ 54This Act is called the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024, and comesCommencement

This Act starts on a date set by the President by proclamation in the Gazette.

54. This Act is called the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024, and comes into operation on a date ﬁxed by the President by proclamation in the Gazette. This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za Wysigingswet op Wette op basiese Onderwys, 2024 Wet No. 32 van 2024 STAATSKOERANT, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 No. 51258 63 Wysiging van artikel 35 van Wet 76 van 1998 63

Section 54Verify source

§ 50Artikel 35 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierbyRepeal

This provision amends Article 35 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 by adding a new paragraph on norms and standards for district staff provisioning, and it also repeals section 38 of Act 76 of 1998.

50. Artikel 35 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby gewysig deur die volgende paragraaf na paragraaf (c) in te voeg: ‘‘(cA) norme en standaarde vir distrikspersoneelvoorsiening;’’. Herroeping van artikel 38 van Wet 76 van 1998 5

Section 50Verify source

§ 51Artikel 38 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierbyRepeal

Article 38 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 is repealed.

51. Artikel 38 van die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby herroep. Wysiging van Bylae 1 by Wet 76 van 1998, soos ingevoeg deur artikel 15 van Wet 53 van 2000 en gewysig deur artikel 12 van Wet 50 van 2002

Section 51Verify source

§ 52Bylae 1 by die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierbyAmendment

This section amends Schedule 1 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, by replacing paragraph (a) in item 1(2).

52. Bylae 1 by die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby 10 gewysig deur in item 1(2) paragraaf (a) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(a) die mate waarin die onbekwaamheid die werk van die Departement van Basiese Onderwys [of], die provinsiale departement van onderwys, of die openbare skool[, openbare inrigting vir verdere onderwys en opleiding of die openbare sentrum vir onderwys vir volwassenes] beïnvloed;’’. Wysiging van Bylae 2 by Wet 76 van 1998, soos ingevoeg deur artikel 15 van Wet 53 van 2000 en gewysig deur artikels 8 tot 11 van Wet 57 van 2001, artikel 13 van Wet 50 van 2002 en artikel 6 van Wet 1 van 2004

Section 52Verify source

§ 53Bylae 2 by die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierbyAmendment

This section amends Schedule 2 and requires the Member of the Executive Council or the Minister, as applicable, to consider an appeal within 30 days after receiving it.

53. Bylae 2 by die Wet op die Indiensneming van Opvoeders, 1998, word hierby gewysig— (a) deur in item 3(3) paragraaf (a) deur die volgende paragraaf te vervang: ‘‘(a) die mate waarin die wangedrag ’n invloed uitoefen op die werk van die Departement van Basiese Onderwys [of ’n], die provinsiale departement van onderwys, of die openbare skool[, openbare inrigting vir verdere onderwys en opleiding of die openbare sentrum vir onderwys vir volwassenes];’’; en (b) deur in item 9(5) die woorde wat paragraaf (a) voorafgaan deur die volgende woorde te vervang: ‘‘(5) Die Lid van die Uitvoerende Raad of die Minister, na gelang van die geval, moet, binne 30 dae na ontvangs van die appèl, die appèl oorweeg en kan—’’. 15 20 25 30 Kort titel

Section 53Verify source

§ 54Hierdie Wet heet die Wysigingswet op Wette op Basiese Onderwys, 2024, en treeProvision

This Act is called the Wysigingswet op Wette op Basiese Onderwys, 2024, and starts on a date set by the President by proclamation in the Gazette.

54. Hierdie Wet heet die Wysigingswet op Wette op Basiese Onderwys, 2024, en tree in werking op ’n datum deur die President by proklamasie in die Staatskoerant vasgestel. 35 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

Section 54Verify source

§ 64No. 51258Provision

This text only shows Gazette publication details and contact information; it does not state a legal rule.

64 No. 51258 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16 SEpTEMbER 2024 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.zaPrinted by and obtainable from the Government Printer, Bosman Street, Private Bag X85, Pretoria, 0001Contact Centre Tel: 012-748 6200. eMail: info.egazette@gpw.gov.zaPublications: Tel: (012) 748 6053, 748 6061, 748 6065

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Legislative relationships

13 referenced instruments

Names are derived from the stored provision headings and citation-enrichment layer. Treat this as a research index and verify each relationship against the source text.

A–F

5 instruments

Criminal Procedure Act
Sections 12, 22
definitions in the Education Employment Act
Section 41
Educators Act, 1998
Sections 4, 49, 52, 53
Employment of Educators Act
Section 46
Employment of Educators Act, 1998
Sections 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52

G–M

2 instruments

Labour Relations Act, 1995
Section 30
Liquor Act, 2003
Section 8

N–S

6 instruments

Preamble of Act
Section 56
section 1 by adding and updating definitions used in the Schools Act
Section 1
South African 15 Schools Act, 1996
Section 35
South African 30 Schools Act, 1996
Section 15
South African Schools Act
Sections 22, 39
South African Schools Act, 1996
Sections 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40

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Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024

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13 referenced instruments

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