Dear Ms. Christians

It has come to my attention that DA MP Mlindi Nhanha has condemned the continued use of racial classification in forms issued by the Cape Town Deeds Office. His statement, released on 6 August 2025, can be viewed here:
https://www.da.org.za/2025/08/da-oversight-at-deeds-office-confirms-racial-classification-is-in-full-swing

I would like to bring to your attention a similar concern in the education sector. The application form used for registering learners for home education—introduced nationally in 2018 — requires parents to classify both themselves and their children by race.

If, as Mr. Nhanha has rightly pointed out, there is no legal basis for requiring racial classification in Deeds Office forms, then it follows that the same principle should apply to the Department of Basic Education’s home education registration forms. The absence of a legal mandate makes this practice not only unnecessary, but arguably unlawful and unconstitutional.

I therefore respectfully request that you consider submitting a motion to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education (PCBE) calling for the immediate removal of the racial classification requirement from home education registration forms.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I would be happy to provide further information or support, should you require it.

Yours sincerely,

Bouwe van der Eems
Chairman : Cape Home Educators