DA vows to continue fighting 'archaic centralisation of power' in BELA Bill
The NCOP on Tuesday adopted amendments to the original bill in what the African National Congress (ANC) called a 'significant milestone' before the sixth administration comes to an end this week.
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CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it will continue to fight what it calls the “archaic centralisation of power” in the BELA Bill, after the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) passed the contentious legislation on Tuesday.
Those opposed to the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill also say the legislation will cost the country billions to implement with the permanent introduction of Grade R in all public schools.
The NCOP on Tuesday adopted amendments to the original bill in what the African National Congress (ANC) called a "significant milestone" before the sixth administration comes to an end this week.
Opposition parties remain opposed to the BELA bill, even after it went through a few amendments from its original form.
One amendment makes it no longer only up to the head of department to decide on language policy, and still gives school governing bodies relative power to choose the language of instruction, by way of consultation.
But the DA's Cathlene Labuschagne said they remain opposed.
"The Western Cape rejects this bill because of its undue centralisation of power which strips parents of their rightful authority over the children’s education."
The party also said in a statement after the amended bill's adoption, that the ANC was using the bill as part of its election campaign to garner votes.