Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Elidge Staff
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Home Education in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide
Home Education in South Africa provides an alternative to attending public or independent schools in South Africa, where parents have the opportunity to educate their own children at home. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to home education in South Africa, outlining the necessary steps, regulations, and resources involved. Whether you are considering homeschooling or simply seeking more information on the subject, this article aims to provide valuable insights and assist you in making an informed decision.
What is Home Education in South Africa?
Home Education in South Africa is a programme that allows parents of learners of compulsory school-going age to provide education for their children at home. This alternative method of education is recognized by the South African government and falls within the scope of the following compulsory phases of education:
- Foundation Phase (grades 1-3)
- Intermediate Phase (grades 4-6)
- Senior Phase (grades 7-9)
Registering for Home Education in South Africa
If you prefer to teach your child at home, the first step is to apply to the head of your Provincial Education Department in order to register your child for Home Education. Keep in mind that the lessons you offer your child must align with the curriculum outlined in the compulsory phases mentioned above.
To complete the registration process for Home Education in South Africa, you will need to gather the following documents and information:
- Parent(s) certified ID copy
- Certified copies of passport/study permit/work permit/Asylum document (for foreign nationals)
- Last copy of school report (if the child was previously enrolled in school)
- Immunisation card (for children starting school)
- Weekly timetable including contact time per day
- Breakdown of terms per year (196 days per year)
- Learning programme
- Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
Required Records and Documentation For Home Education in South Africa
Once your child has been registered for Home Education, it is essential to maintain accurate records and documentation to ensure compliance. The following records should be kept:
- Attendance: Document the attendance of your child on a regular basis.
- Portfolio of Work: Maintain a portfolio showcasing your child’s educational achievements and progress.
- Records of Progress: Keep track of your child’s ongoing progress and development.
- Educational Support: Maintain a portfolio documenting the educational support provided to your child.
- Continuous Assessment Evidence: Collect evidence of the continuous assessment of your child’s work.
- Year-end Assessment/Examination Evidence: Keep evidence of the assessment or examination conducted at the end of each academic year.
- Outcome Achievement Evidence: Provide evidence at the end of grade 3, 6, and 9, demonstrating whether your child has achieved the outcomes for these grades.
Timeline and Processing for Home Education in South Africa
It is important to note that the processing of home education applications may take up to 30 days. Allow sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and processed by the relevant authorities.
Cost of Home Education in South Africa
One of the advantages of home education in South Africa is that the service is free. Parents can educate their children in a home-based setting without incurring additional costs usually associated with private or public schooling.
Home Education Coordinators
For further guidance and support throughout your home education journey, it can be beneficial to connect with Home Education Coordinators. These individuals are designated to help facilitate the home education process and can provide valuable information specific to your province. Below is a list of coordinators for each province:
Eastern Cape
- Coordinator: Mr M Sotyato
- Telephone: 040 608 4411
- Emails: msotyato67@gmail.com, fundiswa.ntsheyiya@ecdoe.gov.za
- Address: Private Bag X 0032, BISHO 5600
Free State
- Coordinator: Dr N Mokone
- Telephone: 051 447 0038 / 0037
- Emails: N.Mokone@fseducation.gov.za, moletaelizabeth057@gmail.com, Motlagomangooo@yahoo.co.za, semadbiz998@gmail.com, khueler@gmail.com
- Address: Private Bag X 20565, BLOEMFONTEIN 9300
Gauteng
- Coordinator: Mrs S Mdunge
- Telephone: 010 600 6202
- Emails: GDEHomeEducation@gauteng.gov.za, Sybil.Mdunge@gauteng.gov.za, Carol.motshwane@gauteng.gov.za, Kegomoditswe.Ramadiro@gauteng.gov.za, Wendy.Modiba@gauteng.gove.za
- Address: PO BOX 7710, Johannesburg 2000
KwaZulu-Natal
- Coordinator: Ms D Motloli
- Telephone: 033 348 6111/115
- Emails: Dineo.Motloli@kzndoe.gov.za, Nosabelo.Shangase@kzndoe.gov.za
- Address: Private Bag X 9137, PIETERMARITZBURG 3201
Limpopo
- Coordinator: Ms E Baloyi
- Telephone: 015 290 9382
- Emails: schoolaffairsoffice@gmail.com, BaloyiME@edu.limpopo.gov.za
- Address: Private Bag X 9489, POLOKWANE 0700
Mpumalanga
- Coordinator: Dr M Pieterse
- Telephone: 013 766 5875
- Emails: M.Pieterse@mpuedu.gov.za, drmcpieterse@gmail.com
- Address: Private Bag X 111341, NELSPRUIT 1200
Northern Cape
- Telephone: 053 839 6345
- Email: manukusegotsane@gmail.com
- Address: Private Bag X 5029, KIMBERLEY 8300
North West
- Coordinator: Ms P Pule
- Telephone: 018 389 8204
- Emails: Ppule@nwpg.gov.za, MIsaac@nwpg.gov.za
- Address: Private Bag X 2044, MMABATHO 2735
Western Cape
- Coordinator: Mr D Louw
- Telephone: 021 467 2653
- Email: Deon.louw@westerncape.gov.za
- Address: Private Bag X 9114, CAPE TOWN 8000
In conclusion, home education offers parents in South Africa the opportunity to take an active role in their child’s education. By following the necessary steps outlined in this guide and utilizing the available resources and coordinators, parents can provide their children with a well-rounded education within the comfort of their own homes. Whether you are seeking more flexibility, personalized learning, or a tailored approach to education, home education can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both parents and children.
FAQs about Home Education in South Africa
Q: What is home education in South Africa?
A: Home Education in South Africa is a program that allows parents to educate their children at home instead of sending them to public or independent schools. It is a recognized alternative method of education by the South African government, following the compulsory phases of education.
Q: How do I register for home education in South Africa?
A: To register for home education, you need to apply to the head of your Provincial Education Department. Make sure that the lessons you provide align with the curriculum for the respective compulsory phases.
Q: What documents are required for the registration process?
A: You will need the following documents:
- Parent(s) certified ID copy
- Certified copies of passport/study permit/work permit/Asylum document (for foreign nationals)
- Last copy of school report (if the child was previously enrolled in school)
- Immunisation card (for children starting school)
- Weekly timetable including contact time per day
- Breakdown of terms per year (196 days per year)
- Learning programme
- Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
Q: What records and documentation should I keep for home education?
A: It is essential to maintain accurate records and documentation. These include:
- Attendance records
- Portfolio of work showcasing your child’s achievements and progress
- Records of progress and development
- Documentation of educational support provided
- Evidence of continuous assessment of your child’s work
- Evidence of year-end assessments or examinations
- Evidence demonstrating achievement of outcomes for specific grades
Q: How long does the processing of home education applications take in South Africa?
A: The processing of home education applications may take up to 30 days. It is advisable to allow sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and processed by the relevant authorities.
Q: Is there a cost associated with home education in South Africa?
A: One of the advantages of home education in South Africa is that it is free of charge. Parents can educate their children in a home-based setting without incurring additional costs usually associated with private or public schooling.
Q: Are there coordinators available to assist with home education?
A: Yes, Home Education Coordinators are available to provide guidance and support throughout your home education journey. They can offer province-specific information and assist with various aspects of the home education process.
We hope these FAQs provide helpful information about home education in South Africa. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Home Education Coordinators for your province listed in the article.
If you have more questions, look through our blog for answers!
