Question NW3248 to the Minister of Basic Education
14 September 2015 - NW3248
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) When (a) did her department commence with the review of the South African Schools Act, Act 84 of 1996, and the admissions policy and (b) will the specified review be finalised : (2) will the specified review be (a) in line with the promulgated Policy on Screening. Identification, Assessment and Support and (b) tabled in the National Assembly for approval?
Reply:
(1) (a) and (b)The Minister appointed a task team to review all education legislation including the South African Schools Act, 84 of 1996. The task team commenced on 24 February 2013 and concluded its work on 30 October 2014. On the basis of the work of the task team, the Department then drafted a Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, together with the Memorandum on the Objects of the Bill .The Bill must still go through the internal consultation processes before it can be published for public comment.
The review of the admission policy commenced in June last year and was concluded in May of this year. The amendments must be subjected to a Socio Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS). This is a new requirement that was introduced by the Presidency this year for all new legislation and policies as well as amendments to legislation and policies.
(2) (a) The review took into account all related policy developments.
(b) We foresee that the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill will be submitted to Parliament towards the middle of next year.