Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill

The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education invites you to submit written comments on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill [B2-2022].

Comments must be sent to Mr Llewellyn Brown, the Committee Secretary via email: [email protected] or online at or online at https://forms.gle/MoC6AdbdQyYPk3Y49 or via WhatsApp: +27 60 550 9848 by no later than 15 August 2022 at 16:00. The original deadline for comments was 15 June 2022. On 28 June 2022, the Committee agreed to extend the deadline for stakeholders and interested individuals to submit written comments on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.

In addition to written submissions, kindly indicate if you would like to make oral submissions.

The Bill proposes to amend the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996), and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (Act No. 76 of 1898) (the SASA and the EEA, respectively), so as to align them with developments in the education landscape and to ensure that systems of learning are put in place in a manner which gives effect to the right to basic education enshrined in section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

Amongst others, the Bill seeks to amend certain definitions; to provide that attendance of Grade R is compulsory, and to provide for system improvements in terms of admission of learners to public schools. It also provides for financial and public accountability frameworks for governing bodies and provincial departments.

The Bill further provides for additional Regulatory powers of the Minister, and enhancing decision making and oversight powers of Heads of Departments and Members of the Executive Councils.

The Bill also proposes technical and substantive adjustments, clarify certain existing provisions, insert provisions which are not provided for in existing legislation and strengthen enforcement mechanisms for offences and penalties.

Mr Llewellyn Brown can be reached on 083 709 8450 or [email protected] for enquiries

All correspondence should be addressed to Mrs B P Mbinqo-Gigaba, Chairperson: PC on Basic Education and marked for the attention of Mr L A Brown.

 In your submission, kindly provide the name, surname, telephone number, and email address of the person or organisation submitting the comments

View: Chairperson’s Interview

Track the Bill here

View: BELA Bill SEIAS

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How to write a submission