The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, accompanied by DBE officials, commenced with Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill Public Hearings in the Vhembe, Mopani and Capricorn Districts in the Limpopo Province from 24 – 26 February 2023. The next set of Public Hearings will be taking place in the Xhariep, Motheo and Thabo Mofutsanyane Districts in the Free State Province from 2 – 6 March 2023.
The Limpopo hearings kicked off on a high note with high attendance levels at the various venues, which included both rural and urban districts for optimal public participation. In fact, attendance exceeded expectations and proceedings were conducted in an organised and structured manner owing to the support of the Provincial Legislature. The hearings were attended by Learner Representative Council (LRC) Presidents from various schools; parents; principals and teachers; School Governing Body (SGB) representatives; unions; and various disability forums representing learners with special needs,” explained Committee Chairperson, Ms Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba.
The Bill proposes to amend the South African Schools Act (SASA), 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996) and the Employment of Educators Act (EEA),1998 (Act No. 76 of 1898) to align them with developments in the education landscape and to ensure that systems of learning are put in place in accordance with the right to basic education as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The eight themes identified for discussion and input, include Access to Basic Education; Compulsory Learner Attendance; Language; Governance and Professional Management of Public Schools; Budget and Finances of Public Schools; Home Education; Independent Schools; and Educators. The Bill generated interest across the education sector, with submissions received from parent associations; School Governing Bodies (SGBs); Principal Associations; educator trade unions; legal firms; civil society; community-based structures; and NGOs.
The Public Hearings across all nine provinces will conclude towards the end of July 2023, after which the Parliamentary and Departmental legal teams will compile a comprehensive report based on the written and the oral submissions, as well as the input received during the Public Hearings. The comprehensive report will be presented to the Portfolio Committee during August for robust discussion and debate, and subsequent adjudication by Parliament on the recommendations made for the adoption of the Bill. The third leg of the Public Hearings will be taking place in the North-West Province from 10 – 12 March 2023.