Signing BELA Bill into law ‘a threat’ to GNU, warns DA
The Democratic Alliance on Wednesday warned that the signing into law of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill poses a risk to the government of national unity.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to sign the controversial BELA Bill into law at the Union Buildings on Friday.
The bill proposes several changes to the South African Schools Act, including transferring control to the Basic 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.
DA national spokesperson Willie Aucamp wants the president to send the bill back to the National Assembly for amendments.
"This move violates the government of national unity's statement of intent as the bill threatens constitutional rights, particularly mother-tongue education,” he said.
"DA leader John Steenhuisen will urgently meet with the president to demand changes and prevent further unilateral changes by the ANC.”
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