Gauteng Education 'ready' to fully implement BELA Act

The BELA Act, signed into law in September 2024, faced a three-month delay in the implementation of two contested clauses to allow the Government of National Unity (GNU) to address differing views. 

Clause 4 grants the Basic Education Department greater control over admissions policy, while Clause 5 requires school governing bodies to submit language policies to the provincial head of department for approval.

Chiloane described the President’s directive as a pivotal moment in South Africa’s democracy, emphasizing its potential to fully realize the constitutional rights of learners across the nation’s schools.

“The BELA Act introduces measures to ensure that schools are better equipped to uphold these constitutional rights. As we are now in the implementation phase of this legislation, we are tasked with promoting and valuing all official languages, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating the rich linguistic diversity of our nation,” he said.

Despite concerns raised by various stakeholders regarding the Act’s implementation, Chiloane lauded Ramaphosa's confidence in the constitution, democracy, and the basic education sector. He reiterated that the Presidential Proclamation bringing the Act into operation reflects a strong commitment to advancing the sector.

“The BELA Act is more than a legal reform; it embodies the dreams and aspirations of parents, educators, and learners across South Africa. In Gauteng, we are ready to fully implement this Act to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has equal access to quality education,” Chiloane added.

He pledged that the province would work tirelessly to promote all official languages, expand universal access to Grade R, and align school policies with the transformative vision of the BELA Act, ensuring an inclusive and equitable education system.

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