Among issues under the spotlight heading into the 2026 school year is the implementation of a compulsory Grade R year in the foundation phase, in line with the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) ...

BASIC Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said Grade R practitioners will be formally integrated into the basic education system as educators once the provisions of Grade R in the Basic Education Laws ...

While the Bela Act makes Grade R attendance compulsory, the National Treasury’s refusal to allocate additional funding leaves provinces struggling to deliver on the promise of universal early ...

The National Treasury has turned down the Department of Basic Education’s request for additional funds to implement compulsory Grade R schooling. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube confirmed the ...