NCOP's select committee on basic education adopts latest version of the BELA BILL
The BELA BILL is expected to make several changes to the education system from the permanent introduction of grade R to the conduct of teachers.
Picture: © teka77/123rf.com
CAPE TOWN - The select committee dealing with basic education has adopted the latest version of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill - which has broadened the definition of corporal punishment.
The National Council of Provinces' (NCOP) select committee of education, technology, sports arts and culture on Wednesday considered the Bill that seeks to reform the sector and make it more inclusive.
READ: Parliament continues processing the BELA Bill despite objections
On Wednesday, committee members discussed various inclusions into the legislation around misconduct and the powers of school governing bodies.
The adoption of the C-List amendments to the Bill takes it one step closer to becoming law despite objections.
The BELA BILL is expected to make several changes to the education system from the permanent introduction of grade R to the conduct of teachers.
Parliament's legal advisor Phumelele Ngema informed members of the changes in corporal punishment.
"We are going to add that corporal punishment means any deliberate act against a child that inflicts pain or physical discomfort…like to punish or contain the child - which includes any acts which seek to belittle, humiliate, threaten, induce fear or ridicule the dignity and person of a learner."
All provinces in the select committee agreed to the amendments except the Western Cape. The finalisation of the Bill by the NCOP has been scheduled for 2 May 2024.