I’ve been following the conversations around the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act closely, and it’s clear to me that we are on the cusp of significant transformation in South African education. The BELA Act is not just another piece of legislation; it represents a shift that aligns with our commitment to equality and opportunity for all. Here’s why I think this is a powerful moment for transformation, and how the Act speaks to the core of what BBBEE stands for—building a fair and just society.
1. Inclusive Decision-Making on School Policies
When President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the BELA Bill into law, many were concerned about clauses 4 and 5, which deal with school admissions and language policies. But I believe this is an opportunity for greater collaboration between school governing bodies (SGBs) and provincial education departments. Education expert Professor Mary Metcalfe put it perfectly: “BELA doesn’t change any existing constitutional or legal provisions. What it does is ensure procedural fairness in decision-making processes.”
2. Empowering Parents and School Communities
The Act ensures that communities are heard, and that the voices of parents and SGBs are not sidelined. Clause 5 requires SGBs to submit their policies for approval by provincial heads of departments, but it doesn’t take power away from them. Instead, it safeguards their rights. As Metcalfe explains, “BELA spells out the procedures by which the department will engage with SGBs to ensure the best outcomes for schools and learners.” This is transformation in action—where education policy becomes more transparent, fair, and collaborative.
3. Mother Tongue Education Protected
One of the biggest concerns has been around mother tongue instruction. People fear that languages other than English will be marginalised. However, BELA actually reinforces the right to learn in one’s mother tongue, a right already enshrined in our Constitution. As Metcalfe pointed out, “The Constitution guarantees the right to instruction in your language of choice.” This is not about taking away rights; it’s about ensuring that our diverse linguistic heritage is respected and adapted to the needs of our communities.
4. Grade R is Now Compulsory—And That’s a Good Thing!
The move to make Grade R compulsory is one of the most transformational aspects of the BELA Act. Right now, we have around 96% of five-year-olds attending Grade R, but this is about closing the gap and making early childhood education accessible to all. “Making Grade R compulsory means that the state now takes responsibility for teacher salaries and infrastructure,” Metcalfe said, addressing concerns that parents would be penalised. This change ensures that all children, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, are given the chance to start formal education early, levelling the playing field for future success.
5. Adapting to Demographic Changes
One of the standout points in the BELA Act is how it addresses shifting demographics in communities, particularly when it comes to language and school spaces. Metcalfe illustrated this with an example from Limpopo: “If a Tshivenda-speaking population grows in an area previously dominated by Xitsonga speakers, schools must adapt to serve the new linguistic needs.” This flexibility is a game-changer, ensuring that no child is left behind because of outdated school policies.
6. Transformation Through Procedural Fairness
The BELA Act is all about ensuring fairness at every step of the process. If an SGB disagrees with the provincial department’s decisions, there are clear steps for how consultations must take place and how decisions can be reviewed. “BELA protects school governing bodies by ensuring that decisions are procedurally fair and reviewable in court,” Metcalfe reassured us. For me, this is a crucial element of transformation—where power is balanced, and everyone has a seat at the table.
In conclusion, I see the BELA Act as a progressive step forward in transforming our education system. It embraces the principles of equity and fairness while ensuring that every learner has access to quality education, regardless of their background.