NCOP adopts controversial BELA Bill
The National Council of Provinces on Tuesday adopted the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill following a lengthy debate by MPs
Despite opposition from various organisations, the bill was supported by an overwhelming majority of lawmakers.
The Western Cape was the only province to object to the bill.
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.
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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