BELA Bill addresses critical issues hindering basic education, says Motshekga

The bill was adopted in the National Assembly on Thursday and will now be sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa to be signed into law. 

A total of 223 MPs voted in support of the bill, while 78 voted against it.

The BELA Bill proposes several changes to the South African Schools Act, including transferring control to the Education Department to determine a school's language policies and curriculums.

Motshekga believes the changes are necessary to improve the quality of education.

"Much has been written about this bill, and much has been said about it, most of which are lies.

“I appeal to the detractors of public schooling and this government to desist from spreading fear and lies in the public discourse to advance sectoral interests.”

The minister said there is still a need to demystify the myths about the BELA Bill amid threats of legal action from several organisations.

“The current version of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill has been shaped by extensive consultations over several years and aims to realise Basic Education 2.0.

“The bill addresses critical challenges that have, for years, hindered the progress of our education ecosystem. One of the primary issues it tackles is determining a school's language policy,” explained Motshekga.

Motshekga also addressed the misconception that the bill aims to erode the autonomy of School Governing Bodies. 

"This is false,” she said. 

“In reality, it aspires to harmonise the powers of the SGB with the directives of the relevant provincial head of department.

“While the SGB is initially tasked with setting a school's language policy, the bill emphasises that this authority is not unequivocal. 

“It ascertains that such policies are adaptable, inclusive and congruent with the constitutional right to basic education.

“The bill aims to guarantee that their constitutional right to education remains intact.

“The minister's regulatory power isn't about dictating personal decisions or delving into health matters such as abortion. It's centred on ensuring schools adopt a compassionate and pragmatic stance towards supporting pregnant pupils," added Motshekga.

The bill dictates that Grade R will now be the new compulsory school-starting age, and parents who fail to enrol their children for Grade R will be formally penalised.

Some amendments include penalties for those found guilty of corporal punishment - which is illegal at schools.

In terms of language policy, the bill provides that a school governing body will now be required to submit a public school’s language policy and any amendment thereof to the head of the Education Department for approval.  

The language policy must also consider the language needs of the broader community.

Sign Language will also become an official language for learning at a public school.

The BELA Bill also bans the consumption or possession of alcohol on public school premises or during any public school activity unless permission has been sought from the head of department, and then only under strict conditions.

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