Despite the recent announcement of the Basic Education Laws Amendments (Bela) Bill, many Springs residents are still unaware of what it entails.
The drafted Bela Bill which was recently released by the Department of Basic Education, means school governing bodies could be left powerless if the bill is implemented.
The bill was released for public comment but the deadline was on Friday.
Jacqueline Paige Hoffman commented on the Addie Facebook page by saying it’s crazy that we have not been given enough time to respond.
“Despite an influx of requests for the date (November 10) to be extended, the extension has been denied,” she says.
The bill proposed to amend the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996), and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (Act No. 76 of 1998), to align them with developments in the education landscape.
This will ensure systems of learning and excellence in education are put in place in a manner which respects, protects, promotes and fulfills the right to basic education enshrined in Section 29 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
“I have been trying to wrap my head around the whole concept of the Bela Bill and how it will implicate my rights as a mother, the rights of my three children as well as that of friends and family who have children in mainstream schools,” says Michelle Myburgh.
According to her, a lot of these people aren’t even aware of the proposed bill and how the education system is failing to really put the needs of the children and future generations first.
She wants to know since when political views, control and money should surpass the needs of proper education despite who the ‘educators‘ are.
Myburgh says the bill will not only affect school children but also home scholars.
Although the Addie’s Facebook was abuzz with comments, many comments revealed a lack of knowledge regarding the bill.
Traci van Dyk: “Does it even matter what we say anyway?”
Bianca Lee Is Chau: “We are in massive trouble if the Bela Bill gets passed.”
Christie-Lee Jansen van Vuuren: “It frustrates me that most people don’t know about the bill.
“Once you mention it, they look at you with this crazy look, thinking that you are a stupid mother or something.
“It is so annoying, meantime this is a major concern for all parents with children and the future of their children’s education.”
