By Thabo Mosia
On Friday, September 13, 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to officially sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law. This Bill, which has been a subject of intense debate, aims to bolster governance in South Africa’s education system by updating key aspects of existing laws. The signing will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria during a formal public ceremony .
Key Amendments in the BELA Bill
The BELA Bill introduces several significant changes to the education landscape. Notably, it makes Grade R the compulsory starting age for school attendance, a move seen as crucial to improving foundational education. The Bill also introduces penalties for parents or guardians who fail to ensure that their children attend school, reinforcing the government’s commitment to universal education .
In addition, the Bill emphasizes that corporal punishment is strictly prohibited in schools, with stringent consequences for violators. This reflects a continued push to ensure that schools remain safe and conducive environments for learning .
Political and Public Reactions
Despite the government’s assertion that the Bill will enhance governance and educational outcomes, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed strong objections. The DA’s leader, John Steenhuisen, warned that by signing the Bill in its current form, President Ramaphosa would be breaching the spirit of the Government of National Unity (GNU). According to Steenhuisen, the DA raised concerns during negotiations about the BELA Bill’s impact on mother-tongue education, which they believe could infringe on constitutional rights .
The DA has called for amendments to address these constitutional concerns and requested that the President refer the Bill back to Parliament. Steenhuisen indicated that if Ramaphosa proceeds without addressing these issues, it could jeopardize the GNU’s stability, which is vital for South Africa’s governance .
On the other hand, supporters of the Bill, including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, have urged the President to move forward. Lesufi believes that the amendments will help foster a more inclusive, non-racial education system, which he sees as essential for the country’s development .
Controversy and Legal Challenges
The BELA Bill has not only faced political opposition but has also been challenged by civil society groups, such as AfriForum and the FW de Klerk Foundation. These organizations are particularly concerned about the transfer of certain powers from School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to the State. They argue that this undermines local governance and parental involvement in key decisions, such as school language policies .
The Bill requires SGBs to submit their language policies to the education department for approval, a change that has drawn sharp criticism, especially from groups advocating for Afrikaans mother-tongue education. Despite this, the government maintains that the amendments are necessary to ensure schools serve the broader community and not just specific linguistic or cultural groups .
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