In a move to promote inclusivity within South Africa’s education system, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has clarified that children of undocumented foreign nationals will not be required to provide identification documents to register for school or sit for matric exams. This directive, set to be implemented ahead of the 2025 academic year, has been communicated to officials in the education sector to ensure that all children, regardless of their documentation status, can access education without barriers.
Director-General of Basic Education, Mathanzima Mweli, emphasized that this decision follows complaints from civil society organizations regarding the exclusion of learners who were unable to present identity documents, birth certificates, or asylum seeker permits. These challenges were particularly evident when undocumented foreign nationals, as well as some South African children awaiting birth registration or identity document processing, were prevented from enrolling in schools or registering for the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
Mweli made it clear that the DBE would not allow any child, regardless of their documentation status, to be barred from receiving an education or participating in exams. He pointed out that Umalusi, the body responsible for quality assurance in education, has confirmed that an identity document is not a requirement for the issuance of an NSC certificate. According to Umalusiβs policy position, all registered candidates who meet the qualification criteria will be certified, whether or not they possess an identity document. This means that learners, regardless of their documentation status, will be able to register and receive their NSC results if they fulfill the necessary academic requirements.
The directive also outlined that education officials must refrain from actions or statements that could hinder undocumented learners from enrolling in schools or sitting for their exams. Mweli urged all provincial and district education authorities, school governing bodies, and principals to share this crucial information with relevant stakeholders to avoid confusion or discrimination. He acknowledged that some learners may not have identity documents due to delayed applications with the Department of Home Affairs or because their caregivers have not yet completed necessary paperwork. In these cases, the department has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that learners are not penalized for administrative delays beyond their control.
The Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act, which President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law in September, further strengthens this position. The law mandates that any child whose parent or guardian has not provided the required documents for school admission must still be allowed to attend school. However, principals are required to inform the parent or guardian that they should obtain the necessary documentation in due course. This law is part of a broader effort to ensure that every child in South Africa has access to education, regardless of their documentation status.
Despite these efforts, the policy has already sparked some controversy. Anti-migrant group Operation Dudula has expressed its opposition, advocating for South African children to be given priority in school placements over the children of undocumented immigrants. The group has stated that it intends to launch a programme to ensure that local children are first in line for school placements and that employment opportunities within the education sector are reserved for South African citizens. While the group’s national organiser, Che Serobedi, did not respond to questions regarding their stance on the matter, the statement reflects a broader sentiment among certain segments of the population who believe that undocumented migrants should not have the same access to public services as South African citizens.
On the other hand, educational bodies such as the National Alliance of Independent Schools Association (Naisa) have expressed support for the DBE’s directive. Naisaβs Secretary-General, Ebrahim Ansur, confirmed that the association was aware of the DBEβs circular and is in agreement with its position, even though the formal communication has yet to be officially sent to them. Naisa has long advocated for the rights of all children to receive an education, irrespective of their background or documentation status.
This move by the DBE aligns with South Africa’s constitutional commitment to the right to education, as enshrined in the Bill of Rights, which states that everyone has the right to a basic education. By ensuring that children of undocumented foreign nationals are not excluded from the education system, the DBE aims to create a more inclusive society where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the future of the nation. As the 2025 academic year approaches, the departmentβs directive will serve as a critical step towards addressing long-standing issues of access to education for all children, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.