Grade R (reception year) attendance is now mandatory, starting the year a learner turns six.
Parents and guardians are legally obligated to ensure school attendance until a learner completes Grade 9 or turns 15, whichever comes first. Penalties for non-compliance include fines, imprisonment up to 12 months, or both.
South African Sign Language is officially recognised for educational purposes.
The Act empowers the Head of Department to direct public schools to adopt more than one language of instruction, where practicable, ensuring adequate resources are provided for implementation.
Codes of conduct in schools must accommodate diverse cultural, religious, and medical circumstances, with provisions for age-appropriate disciplinary measures.
Enhanced regulations govern the composition and responsibilities of school governing bodies, including rules on declaring personal or financial interests to avoid conflicts.
Governing bodies must provide detailed quarterly financial reports to theDepartment of Education and comply with stricter procurement protocols.
Lease agreements for school property exceeding 12 months require departmental approval.
Corporal punishment, initiation practices, and drug possession on school premises are explicitly banned, with associated offences carrying significant penalties.
Parents providing false information during school admissions or fee exemption applications are subject to legal action.
