STAFF REPORTER
THE Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has concluded successful public hearings on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill in eight provinces.
Public hearings took place in the Northern Cape Province last weekend.
The DBE said it was satisfied with the process thus far, as public hearings have been conducted in an organised and peaceful manner.
Those who supported the Bill said that it would improve the quality of the education system, particularly for those from disadvantaged households, through the proposal for the inclusion of Heads of Departments in determining language and admission policies at schools. They added that Clause 37 of the Bill, requiring home-schooled children to be registered, is necessary as it allows the Department to account for every child in the system whilst ensuring uniformity and access.
Those opposing the Bill said that it would undermine the constitutional right of parents to make decisions on behalf of their children. They further argued that the Bill primarily intends to take power away from School Governing Bodies (SBGs) to determine language and admission policies, undermining mother-tongue education.
They added that home-schooling is currently available to low-income families, but the new proposals that require independent accessors and continuous assessments will have profound cost implications. There was, however, a general agreement that alcohol sales be banned from schools as it could encourage further substance abuse within communities.
Other changes to the Bill include: making grade R compulsory as opposed to Grade 1, which is currently the case, and criminalising parents who do not ensure that their children attend school, with fines or jail time for up to 12 months.
In addition, it would also compel parents to supply specified documentation when applying; hold SGBs accountable for disclosures of financial interests, including those related to their spouses and family members; prohibit educators from conducting business with the state; and abolish corporal punishment.
INSIDE EDUCATION
