PODCAST: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BELA BILL

Thu 28 February 2024:

The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill is in the spotlight as sessions and public hearings are being held over the matter.

The bill seeks to amend key education laws in South Africa and has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from various quarters.

Concerns were raised about the lack of detailed information provided to the public, with many attendees expressing frustration over ambiguous clauses in the bill.

People said the bill may infringe on parental rights, particularly regarding home-schooling.

Opponents of the bill also criticised its potential impact on minority languages and cultural rights. They argued that the proposed language policies could marginalise linguistic minorities and undermine their heritage.

While the bill was slammed, there were also supporters of the BELA Bill, including members of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who defended its provisions.

They emphasised the importance of compulsory education and the need to hold parents accountable for their children’s attendance.

Fazlin Fransman discussing the Bella Bill

Fazlin Fransman is a senior researcher at Moja Research Institute, an independent, not-for-profit think-tank that serves as a hub for critical thought in media, development and global governance.