Much of the opposition to BELA Bill 'driven by misinformation’

JOHANNESBURG - Education expert, Professor Mary Metcalfe, does not believe that concerns raised around the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill are warranted.

The select committee in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) adopted new changes to the bill on Wednesday.

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It is now headed to the NCOP Council in May, where it is expected to be approved and then sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Metcalfe said the bill had been mired in controversy.

"There have been some interesting debates around, for example, the criminalisation of parents for not sending children to school but much of the opposition, I think, has been driven by misinformation."

She zeroed in on criticism the bill faced for making grade R compulsory, saying this represented good progress.

"Making grade R compulsory is simply saying the period of compulsory education is now no longer nine but ten years and starts at grade R. So, this actually brings us closer to international norms."

Much of the opposition to BELA Bill 'driven by misinformation’ - Metcalfe

The bill is now headed to the NCOP Council in May, where it is expected to be approved and then sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa.