CAPE TOWN – The Western Cape stands alone in opposing the Basic Education Act Amendment Bill (BELA), which recently cleared a significant hurdle in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). On Thursday, the NCOP committee on education approved the bill aimed at reforming the basic education sector. It will soon be sent to the council for further consideration before reaching the president’s desk for final approval.
Despite amendments empowering school boards (SGBs) to determine language policy, the Democratic Alliance (DA) criticized the bill for ultimately placing the final decision with the department head. Elliot Njadu, representing the Western Cape, confirmed the province’s opposition, stating, “The Western Cape Provincial Parliament grants the Western Cape delegation to the NCOP the authority not to support the bill,” signed by Speaker Daylin Mitchell.
Nevertheless, the bill passed and is poised for final passage and presidential approval.
Original Source: EWN
Date: 2024-05-01 12:00:00
www.ewn.co.za