Schools Face 23,372 Unfinished Policy Reviews

Parliament heard that thousands of school admission and language policy reviews remain outstanding under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill.

Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Administration

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a plain civic building facade with a tall central doorway casting a long shadow across an empty plaza, in deep red and cream. — Parliament heard that 23,372 school admission and language policy reviews remain unfinished under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, with a 10 October regulatory deadline missed. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Parliament heard that 23,372 school policy reviews remain unfinished under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill. Department of Basic Education regulations on school capacity missed their 10 October deadline.

Why it matters

The Bela Bill is designed to end the use of admission and language policies that have kept black children out of historically white schools. Outstanding reviews raise concerns about school access for learners in South Africa next year.

Of the 23,372 outstanding reviews, 11,715 concern admission policies and 11,657 concern language policies. The capacity regulations have been with the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation since September for a socio-economic impact assessment.

The players

Siviwe Gwarube

Siviwe Gwarube is South Africa's Minister of Basic Education, responsible for the national school system and related policy implementation.

The details

A constitutional law expert told Parliament that a dedicated office was needed to manage school admission and language policy reviews and prevent a backlog. During a parliamentary hearing, an ANC MP questioned officials about admission tests, interviews, documentary requirements and waiting lists.

15 August 2022: National Assembly public submission period on the Bela Bill closed.
31 January 2024: National Council of Provinces submission period closed.
24 December 2024: The Bela Bill became enforceable.
10 October: Deadline for school capacity regulations was missed.
15 November 2026: Parliament hearing on outstanding policy reviews.

Policy Backlog

The Bela Bill was designed to dismantle admission and language policies used to exclude black children from historically white schools. Its implementation now depends on clearing more than 23,000 outstanding reviews.

Parents and guardians should check school admission and language policies early, as outstanding reviews may affect placement decisions for next year. Waiting lists and documentary requirements remain under scrutiny in Parliament.

The takeaway

Clearing the backlog of policy reviews is essential if the Bela Bill is to open school access fairly. Families affected by admission or language decisions should keep track of parliamentary progress.