Basic Education Minister meeting stakeholders on BELA Bill
The Minister of Basic Education, Mrs. Angie Motshekga is this week meeting stakeholders to discuss progress on work done regarding the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill. Today, Minister Motshekga met with School Governing Body Associations, who had asked to meet once the DBE had completed the process of considering input from the public.
The Bill seeks to provide updated amendments to sections of the South African Schools Act. The meeting discussed amongst others, admissions regulations, appointment teachers, random search and seizure of learners, as well as the term and criteria for SGB members. The Minister said the amendments should not strangle the system.
“The legislation should not be a stumbling block. However, it should rather be viewed as a necessary tool to assist the sector to deal with some of the challenges at schools,” said the Minister.
“We are committed to supporting the department in ensuring that schools run smoothly. The Department should address matters where Governing Bodies make mistakes,” said FEDSAS CEO Mr Paul Colditz.
On Home Education, the Minister stressed the importance of meeting all legal obligations. “The State has an overall responsibility over children. There must be initial registration for learners who are educated at home in order for us to know how many learners in the system fall within Home Education” said the Minister.
The Minister will meet with other relevant stakeholders and Teacher Unions before tabling the Bill to Parliament.
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