Hands off our children – the BELA Bill – what is it all about, anyway?
"Do you want the government to have this kind of control? Well, that is where we are heading if the BELA Bill becomes law."
Editor –
The BELA Bill. What is that?
The Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill (BELA Bill). Until very recently, most South Africans knew very little about this Bill.
Many thought it only impacted the home-schooling community, but only three clauses will impact home-schooling, albeit very significantly. SGBs will be impacted by 17 clauses. Parents will be impacted by four clauses and schools will be impacted directly by eight clauses.
Schools, educators, SGB members, parents, children, and the general public, we know that many of you didn’t get a chance to help shape the BELA Bill. Regardless of this, you can still bring about change.
So does this issue impact you? It should, as this Bill will bring about new laws.
The Bill threatens to take powers away from you and give them to government officials.
Ultimate power on admissions, language policy, code of conduct and more will go to the state. This will have a great effect on our children. Parents risk up to a year in jail for non-compliance. Small schools could be shut and children will be forced to attend larger schools, which are usually quite a distance away from their homes.
The closure of these schools will also result in more overcrowding of schools. Clause 39 could be used to enforce the Learner Pregnancy Policy which, read in conjunction with the Children’s Act, promotes abortion, immoral sex education, and much more without the consent of a parent (if the child is 12 years or older).
Of the 54 clauses in the Bill, which ones are you not happy with?
It is a bit of a process, so start reading and researching the impacts the BELA Bill will have on you.
Do you want the government to have this kind of control? Well, that is where we are heading if the BELA Bill becomes law.
What are our next steps as South Africans? What can we do?
We can educate ourselves on what the Bela Bill contains. You can join the BELA Bill Info group on WhatsApp for more information, as well as download a copy of the B2B-2022, the current Basic Education Law Amendment Bill. From this, you can draw your own conclusions.
Contact BELA Bill Concerned Citizens for links of BELA Bill WhatsApp groups.
belabillconcernedcitizen@gmail.com / 071 302 5733
Time is limited!
The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature has already announced the commencement of public participation from November 23, 2023, in Mpumalanga. Other provinces will release dates of public participation soon.
We encourage you to use this time to inform yourself about the BELA BILL so that you are able to write a meaningful letter as well as participate in the public hearings to voice your opinion.
This public participation presents a valuable opportunity to actively engage in shaping the educational landscape. It is crucial not to adopt a passive stance, relying solely on organisations such as unions, FEDSAS and political parties to advocate on your behalf.
Your direct involvement is paramount.
The collective strength of school representatives, parents, children and the general public is a powerful force that increases the likelihood of a positive outcome. We urge you to participate in the upcoming provincial hearings and written submissions actively.
Defend your and your children’s rights.
BELA BILL – The Fight Is Not Over!
#SayNoToStateControl
#EveryVoiceCounts
#OurChildrenMatter
Elna Wichmann Heath
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