Opinions, concerns and agreements were shared at a public meeting to discuss the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill.
The meeting took place at the White City Multipurpose Centre on Friday 22 March. It was a space filled with mixed emotions as a number of people from far and wide made their way to either contest or support the amendment. Participants were given a total of two minutes to share their concerns and many felt this time was not sufficient to share their opinions on this important issue.
The Bela Bill aims to amend certain sections of the South African Schools Act (Sasa), focusing on administrative and management processes at the school level.
Some of the points in the bill include language policies, regulating home schooling and making Grade R compulsory, to name a few.
At the meeting Councillor Theresa Rossouw, mother of five, grandmother to seven and step-grandmother to eight, made it clear she welcomed the Bela Bill.
Although she did not have enough time to share all her concerns, shared by many others, she told Weslander she welcomed the amendment that school attendance be compulsory from Grade R to Grade 12.
“This will ensure the foundation phase of education is improved and the children are more equipped to read, and comprehend better,” Rossouw explained. “It will ensure that in the Intermediate Phase they will cope with the subjects that need intense study and understanding.” She also welcomed the amendments prohibiting initiations that are degrading, insulting, demeaning and amount to utter bullying tactics at schools that, in many instances, have ended in injury and trauma.
“I welcome the amendments pertaining to corporal punishment and all its facets. Thankfully the abuse of children in this form is abolished, and educators must use a form of discipline that is progressively supportive and motivates good behaviour and excellence.
“The amendment in Clause 12 is welcomed as many public schools do not have adequate facilities, and if they can focus on certain talents children can broaden their horizons and find their niche in the sports and academic fields, much like their counterparts at privately funded schools.”
Elmari Coetzee, chairperson of Vredenburg High’s school governing body, pointed out that the current Schools Act came into force in 1996. She said, as with all policies, it is necessary from time to time to review legislation to ensure it is still relevant and keeps pace with the changing circumstances in South Africa.
“The aims of the amendment bill are to put additional guidelines in place regarding school management and also to provide clarity on aspects about which there is uncertainty. This includes expanding definitions. Given the challenges schools are currently experiencing, I believe clarification and addressing challenges is necessary.”
Coetzee, however, noted there was much misleading information circulating about the Bela Bill.
“We as a school welcome the criminalisation of misrepresentation when learners are enrolled at schools as well as with the applications for exemption from school fees.”
Another concern, she said, is the proposed increased prison term for parents who do not send learners to school.
“The proposed bill does not address households headed by minors and the impact on them. Likewise, the risk that parents and children will be separated from each other for a long time is a socioeconomic concern.” Coetzee added it is important that the community support its schools in every aspect, from academics to discipline. “Don’t be fooled by individuals who spread negativity, and join schools to build school pride and to strive towards achievement.”
Malan Vorster, a parent who home-schools three children, made his way from Hermanus to attend the meeting. He rejected the entire Bela Bill, especially the clauses controlling home education, managing learner pregnancies, banning micro-school as well as jail time for parents. “This is education and family capture,” he said.
The public has until Thursday 4 April to submit remarks on the Bela Bill. Email to WHMoosa@wcpp.gov.za or WhatsApp 081 498 6075.
