President Cyril Ramaphosa with Deputy Minister of Basic Education Dr Makgabo Mhaule after signing the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law at the Union Buildings. Picture: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers / September 13, 2024
The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) has said it supports the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, which it deems critical in addressing long-standing inequalities and promoting transformation within South Africa's education system.
"We firmly believe that the future of our country depends on an education system that is fair and inclusive, empowering all learners regardless of their socio-economic background,’’ said ANCYL spokesperson Zama Khanyase.
Khanyase said the BELA Bill, which has faced opposition from certain groups, has been described as a necessary intervention rather than an attack on school autonomy.
According to the ANCYL, the Bill will ensure that all schools adhere to constitutional values such as non-discrimination, equality, and the best interests of every child.
Khanyase said that disparities and exclusionary practices have been entrenched in the education system for too long, particularly disadvantaging marginalised communities.
The bill’s provision to give the Minister of Basic Education greater oversight on school admission policies is seen as vital in curbing racial and class-based exclusion.
“No child should be denied access to quality education due to restrictive or discriminatory policies," Khanyase said.
The ANCYL also applauded the bill's measures to strengthen School Governing Bodies (SGBs) while ensuring that decision-making processes in schools are democratic and inclusive. The bill aims to prevent the misuse of power within SGBs, which could perpetuate inequality.
Furthermore, another crucial aspect of the bill that the ANCYL endorses is its approach to language policies.
Khanyase noted that in some cases, language has been used as a barrier to exclude learners from schools.
The bill allows the Department of Basic Education to intervene when language policies are used discriminatorily, fostering linguistic diversity and promoting nation-building, she said.
Khanyase said that the BELA Bill prioritises the rights of learners while still recognising the important role that parents and communities play in shaping educational environments.
As the bill moves closer to becoming law, the ANCYL calls on all stakeholders to support it as a transformative tool for building a more inclusive and equitable education system.
"By addressing deep-rooted inequalities in education, we can unlock the full potential of our youth and secure a prosperous future for the nation," Khanyase said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law.
However, Ramaphosa said the implementation of the Bill will be delayed for three months for further conversations around ‘problematic’ clauses.
IOL