The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced its intention to challenge the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill recently passed in the National Assembly.
The bill, also known as the Bela Bill, proposes significant changes to the South African Schools Act, including the transfer of control to the education department to determine school language policies and curriculums.
According to Baxolile Nodada, the DA spokesperson on education, the ANC breached protocols by submitting the bill to parliament without engaging in discussions about its implications.
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Nodada accused the ANC of denying opposing parties the right to provide thorough inputs to the changes, stating that the ANC chairperson refused to follow parliamentary protocol and denied them the opportunity to raise valid concerns.
Nodada expressed his frustration, claiming that the ANC majority adopted a bill full of mistakes without thoroughly interrogating its final version.
He also criticized the ANC’s motives, suggesting that their actions regarding public participation speak louder than their electioneering attempts.
Nodada emphasized that the bill contains deeply problematic clauses that continue to disempower parents, schools, and communities.
He highlighted concerns about the government’s continued authority over language and admissions in schools, stating that it leaves a back door for the ANC to maintain final authority in these matters.
Furthermore, Nodada criticized the government’s failure to address critical infrastructure issues in schools, such as dangerous pit toilets, asbestos, unsafe roofs, and unfenced premises.
He argued that a government that truly cared about children would prioritize addressing these hazardous conditions in schools.
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