Universities In South Africa: Homeschoolers Welcome?

Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular option for students in South Africa, especially in the wake of COVID-19. In 2019, it was estimated that 140,000 students were homeschooled in South Africa, a number that has since doubled to approximately 300,000. While homeschooling is perfectly legal in South Africa, the registration process is often confusing and bureaucratic. In this paragraph, we will discuss whether universities in South Africa accept homeschooled students and explore the requirements and challenges faced by homeschooled applicants.

Homeschooling is legal in South Africa and has been since 1996

Homeschooling in South Africa was recognised in 1996 under the South African School Legislation. Since then, it has grown significantly, with an estimated 100,000 home learners in 2017. However, the process of homeschooling in South Africa has not always been smooth sailing.

Before 1996, homeschooling was illegal in South Africa, and only a few families were allowed to do it under severe restrictions. In 1993, Andre and Bokkie Meintjies were sentenced to prison because their children did not attend formal school. The Association for Homeschooling and the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) launched a group action that eventually led to the release of the Meintjies couple.

In November 1996, the SA Schools Act was promulgated, recognising home schooling. This was further entrenched by the new constitution of South Africa, which was accepted in December of the same year. The act requires that every home learner be registered with the relevant provincial education department, but it does not state that government officials have the authority to approve the curriculum. This was confirmed by a judgement in the Pretoria High Court in 2012.

Despite the legal recognition of homeschooling, some challenges remain. For example, the South African Schools Act requires parents to register their children for education at home, but some provincial departments do not have the administrative capability to register children for home education. Additionally, officials often require parents to keep records of attendance, progression, and assessment, which can be burdensome and unnecessary.

Furthermore, there have been concerns about the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) and its content. Many groups have objected to the curriculum, arguing that it attempts to transfer the values of the inter-faith religion to pupils and includes sex education from a secular perspective. There have also been criticisms that it attempts to break down cultural diversity and promote a specific political agenda.

Despite these challenges, homeschooling is a legal option for families in South Africa, and it continues to grow and gain recognition.

Homeschooling is on the rise in South Africa, with numbers doubling since the start of COVID-19

The rise in homeschooling in South Africa can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, South Africa's education system has been ranked as one of the worst in the world, with low literacy rates among students who have attended school. Additionally, the cost of attending school in the country has been increasing, while the quality of education has not kept pace. Other issues such as bullying and a lack of space in schools have also contributed to the shift towards homeschooling.

Despite the growth in homeschooling, there is a lack of clear rules and requirements governing it in South Africa. While homeschooling has been legal since 1996, with each province given the authority to set its own standards, there is no express right to register for homeschooling. This has resulted in many parents choosing not to register with their local education department, as the departments have created unlawful preconditions for registration that violate legally prescribed rights and responsibilities.

However, homeschooling in South Africa does come with certain requirements that parents must adhere to. Homeschooled students must receive an education that meets the minimum requirements of the curriculum and the standard of education provided in state schools. Additionally, parents must comply with any reasonable conditions set by the education department. To facilitate this, there are various institutions and curriculums available for homeschooling in South Africa, such as Impaq, Cambrilearn, and Think Digital Academy. These institutions offer online classes and resources to support homeschooling families.

The good news for homeschooled students in South Africa is that they are being admitted to colleges and universities. In fact, homeschooled students have been accepted into South African universities and have coped well with the demands of campus life due to their self-motivation and discipline. This trend is expected to continue as homeschooling becomes a more recognised educational option in the country.

Homeschooling is free in South Africa if parents teach their children themselves

Homeschooling is a recognised form of education in South Africa, as outlined in the SA Schools Act. It is chosen by parents for a variety of reasons, including accommodating special needs, religious or philosophical beliefs, and to protect children from bullying or negative peer influences. Homeschooling is often considered expensive, as it usually requires one parent to stop working. However, in South Africa, homeschooling can be free if parents teach their children themselves.

The cost of homeschooling in South Africa depends on the curriculum, platform, student level, and subjects chosen. The cost can range from R300 to R30,000 per month. However, there are ways to reduce these costs significantly, making homeschooling an affordable option for families. Firstly, parents can choose from a variety of free curriculums available online. Additionally, parents can use the same curriculum and learning materials for multiple children, or teach different age groups simultaneously using a unit study curriculum. Furthermore, second-hand curriculum materials can be purchased, and support groups can provide discounted rates for field trips.

Homeschooling can be a rewarding and meaningful experience for parents and children, offering a flexible and personalised education. It is important to note that homeschooled students in South Africa must still notify the government of their status to ensure they receive the required education. While homeschooling can be free, it does require a significant time investment from parents, who take on the role of educators. This time investment can be managed in various ways, such as working part-time, having parents work different shifts, or involving other family members or tutors in the child's education.

Homeschooled students are required to apply to register with provincial education departments

In South Africa, homeschooling is a legally recognised alternative to formal education. The South African Schools Act requires that parents register their children with the Head of Department of a Provincial Education Department if they wish to educate them at home.

The first step for parents who want to teach their children at home is to apply to the head of their Provincial Education Department to register their child for Home Education. The lessons offered by the parent must fall 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)

Parents should apply to the Provincial Education Department (PED) for the registration of a home education learner and comply with any reasonable conditions set by the department. This includes keeping a record of attendance, a suitable timetable, and a portfolio of evidence for every learner. These portfolios, which must include activities and assessments, must be kept for three years as proof of the learner's progress.

At the end of each phase (Grade 3, 6, and 9), parents must provide the PED with feedback on the learner's progress and whether they have reached the required outcomes. These assessments must be done by competent assessors (qualified educators registered with the South African Council for Educators).

While homeschooling is a great option for students looking for a personalised education experience, it is important to note that it comes with additional responsibilities for parents to ensure their children receive a quality education.

Homeschooling is cheaper than traditional schooling in South Africa

Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular choice for families in South Africa, and one of the main reasons is that it can be much cheaper than traditional schooling. While the cost of homeschooling in South Africa varies depending on the family's income and specific approach, it is generally considered a more affordable option, especially when compared to private school fees.

The cost of homeschooling in South Africa depends on several factors, such as the curriculum used, materials required, and whether a tutor is hired. However, there are ways to homeschool affordably. For example, parents can save money by using free or low-cost resources available online and in local communities. Additionally, homeschooling eliminates certain expenses associated with traditional schooling, such as transport, school uniforms, and compulsory trips.

• Lower fees: Homeschooling fees in South Africa can range from R6,000 to R30,000 per year, depending on the grade and curriculum. In contrast, private school fees can range from R60,000 to R160,000 per year, while high-performing public school fees range from R30,000 to R60,000.
• No uniform requirements: Homeschooling does not require specific uniforms, saving parents from purchasing expensive school garments.
• Reduced transport costs: Homeschooled children incur little to no transport costs for their education, except for extracurricular activities.
• No compulsory field trips or camps: Homeschooling families can choose family travel or outings that fit their budget without incurring additional expenses for school-mandated trips.
• No fundraising or development fees: Homeschooling families avoid the costs associated with school fundraisers and development fees.
• No after-school care fees: Homeschooling parents do not need to pay for after-school care since they do not have to collect their children from school.
• Flexible curriculum: Homeschooling allows parents to be flexible with the curriculum and choose free or low-cost options.

While the financial benefits of homeschooling are significant, it is important to note that it also provides learners and their parents with positive influences on their school life, family lifestyle, and overall well-being.

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