The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill was a short while ago permitted because of the South African Parliament and it is now just ready for being signed into law with the President.
The Act will introduce substantial changes on the South African Schools Act and also the Employment of Educators Act to better align with modern day educational wants and worries.
Important provisions with the BELA Bill include:
Compulsory Grade R: The Bill makes it obligatory for youngsters to start school at Grade R, with formal penalties for parents who fall short to enroll their small children.
Corporal Punishment: The Bill reinforces the ban on corporal punishment and prohibits other forms of punishment bela bill schools which could belittle learners.
Language Policy: School governing bodies (SGBs) will continue to determine the language policy of schools, but these policies must be approved by the head of the education department. This aims to ensure that language policies do not discriminate and are inclusive.
Learner Pregnancy: Contrary to some public misconceptions, the Bill does not give schools control over a learner’s decision regarding abortion. It does, however, address the management of learner pregnancies in schools.