'The BELA Bill is a huge necessary update to the basic education sector'

After extensive deliberation and refinement in both houses of Parliament, the final version of the BELA Bill was put to a vote in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

Among the significant provisions is the enhancement of the Department of Education's oversight regarding language and admission policies developed by school governing bodies (SGBs).

Additionally, the bill encompasses progressive changes to the Schools Act, including measures related to corporal punishment, admission protocols for undocumented learners, and compulsory schooling.

Representing Section27, Harding emphasises their support for the Bill, citing instances where SGBs have historically misused admission and language policies to exclude students.

They particularly highlight the significance of the provision within the Bill that ensures undocumented learners cannot be denied admission based on their lack of documentation.

This provision is deemed essential, especially considering the significant portion of South African citizens who lack such paperwork, which serves as a barrier to their education, she adds.

However, she expresses disappointment regarding the potential increase in penalties for parents whose children do not attend school.

Section27 argues that such measures could be ineffective and even detrimental.

Instead, they advocate for prioritising psychosocial support for students to address the underlying reasons for absenteeism.

'The BELA Bill is a huge necessary update to the basic education sector' – Section27

The final version of the BELA Bill was put to a vote in the National Assembly on Tuesday.