WCPP: Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill

The Western Cape Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee on Education hereby invites you to submit written and oral submissions on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill [B 2B–2022] (NCOP).

The Amendment Bill proposes to amend the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act 84 of 1996), and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (Act 76 of 1998), so as to align them with developments in the education landscape. It also proposes to ensure that systems of learning are put in place in a manner that gives effect to the right to basic education enshrined in section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

Among others, the Amendment Bill seeks to amend certain definitions, 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 Amendment 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 Amendment Bill also proposes technical and substantive adjustments to clarify certain existing provisions, insert provisions that are not provided for in existing legislation and strengthen enforcement mechanisms for offences and penalties; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

The public hearings are arranged as follows:
 

Interested persons and organisations are encouraged to attend and participate in the public hearings and to submit written input on the Amendment Bill to the Standing Committee on Education for consideration. Only input on the content of the Amendment Bill will be considered. Requests to make oral presentations or to give input to the Standing Committee on Education will also be considered.

Submissions can be emailed to Ms Wasiema Hassen-Moosa at [email protected] or as voice notes and messages on WhatsApp (cellphone number: 060 250 6165) by no later than Thursday, 4 April 2024.

Please indicate whether an oral presentation on the written submission will be made.

Issued by Hon D Baartman (MPP), Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Education Western Cape Provincial Parliament