ActionSA notes with concern the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law by the grand coalition today and while we consider our options, we commit from the outset to exercising maximum vigilance through the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education.
We believe that this Bill does not address the structural deficiencies that continue to diminish the quality of education in South Africa. Instead, it proposes relatively cosmetic and poorly costed changes and additions to a system that frankly requires a near-complete overhaul to ensure access to quality education.
We are particularly disheartened by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube’s failure to persuade the President otherwise, despite widespread concerns raised by parents, educators, civil society, and her own vociferous opposition which she has seemingly abandoned. Regrettably, South Africans now find themselves in a scenario where the very Minister responsible for implementing this law does not believe in it, exposing a conflict that undermines its credibility.
The contradictory pronouncements made by the DA Leader and the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, stand in stark contrast to the Basic Education Minister’s public assurance that she and her department are committed to implementing the Bill, despite what she termed “political headwinds”.
It seems the only thing blowing harder than the wind is the mixed messaging, making it clear that Ministers sitting in the same Cabinet are walking different paths, playing political hopscotch rather than presenting a united front on serious issues.
We acknowledge that the President indicated he would open a limited consultation period of three months regarding representations on Clauses 4 and 5 of the Bill. However, ActionSA believes this is merely an appeasement mechanism rather than a genuine attempt to address the numerous concerns raised.
ActionSA is currently reviewing our options and considering the next steps to ensure that the rights of parents, teachers, and learners are protected. We remain committed to advocating for an education system that truly serves the best interests of all South Africans.
ActionSA Notes with Concern the Signing of The BELA Bill Into Law
ActionSA notes with concern the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law by the grand coalition today and while we consider our options, we commit from the outset to exercising maximum vigilance through the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education.
We believe that this Bill does not address the structural deficiencies that continue to diminish the quality of education in South Africa. Instead, it proposes relatively cosmetic and poorly costed changes and additions to a system that frankly requires a near-complete overhaul to ensure access to quality education.
We are particularly disheartened by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube’s failure to persuade the President otherwise, despite widespread concerns raised by parents, educators, civil society, and her own vociferous opposition which she has seemingly abandoned. Regrettably, South Africans now find themselves in a scenario where the very Minister responsible for implementing this law does not believe in it, exposing a conflict that undermines its credibility.
The contradictory pronouncements made by the DA Leader and the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, stand in stark contrast to the Basic Education Minister’s public assurance that she and her department are committed to implementing the Bill, despite what she termed “political headwinds”.
It seems the only thing blowing harder than the wind is the mixed messaging, making it clear that Ministers sitting in the same Cabinet are walking different paths, playing political hopscotch rather than presenting a united front on serious issues.
We acknowledge that the President indicated he would open a limited consultation period of three months regarding representations on Clauses 4 and 5 of the Bill. However, ActionSA believes this is merely an appeasement mechanism rather than a genuine attempt to address the numerous concerns raised.
ActionSA is currently reviewing our options and considering the next steps to ensure that the rights of parents, teachers, and learners are protected. We remain committed to advocating for an education system that truly serves the best interests of all South Africans.