Parliament, Wednesday, 18 May 2022 ­- The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has invited stakeholders and interested individuals to submit written comments on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.

The Bill proposes to amend the South African Schools Act (SASA) of 1996, and the Employment of Educators Act (EEA) of 1998 (the SASA and the EEA, respectively), so as to align them with developments in the education landscape and to ensure that systems of learning are put in place in a manner that gives effect to the right to basic education enshrined in section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

Amongst other things, the Bill seeks to amend certain definitions, to provide that attendance of Grade R is compulsory, and to provide for system improvements in terms of admission of learners to public schools. It also provides for financial and public accountability frameworks for governing bodies and provincial departments. The Bill further provides for additional regulatory powers of the Minister, and enhancing decision making and oversight powers of Heads of Departments and Members of the Executive Councils.

The Bill further proposes technical and substantive adjustments, clarifies certain existing provisions, inserts provisions not provided for in existing legislation and strengthens enforcement mechanisms for offences and penalties.

Any person or organisation wishing to submit written comments is at liberty to direct submission for attention: Mr Llewellyn Brown, the Committee Secretary, via email: belabill02@parliament.gov.za or online at https://forms.gle/MoC6AdbdQyYPk3Y49 or via WhatsApp: +27 60 550 9848. Mr Llewellyn Brown can be reached on 083 709 8450 for enquiries. The Bill is accessible at: https://www.parliament.gov.za/bill/2300398

Written submissions must reach Parliament by no later than 15 June 2022 at 16:00. In addition to written submissions, kindly indicate if you would like to make oral submissions.
All correspondence should be addressed to Mrs B P Mbinqo-Gigaba, Chairperson: PC on Basic Education and marked for the attention of Mr L A Brown. In your submission, kindly provide the name, surname, telephone number, and email address of the person or organisation submitting the comments.

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For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
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E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za