Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Msindisi Fengu
Published on 2024-02-26 21:38:28
Emotions were running high as community members voiced their opinions on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill during a public hearing in Randfontein. The event, held at the Randfontein Local Municipality Hall, saw a member of the EFF labeling black individuals who did not support Bela as “sell-outs.” Meanwhile, a pastor criticized the expectation for poor communities to register their children for Grade R classes online as “nonsensical.”
Support for the Bela Bill was evident among EFF and ANC members at the event, which marked the second leg of public hearings on the Bill in Gauteng. The first leg took place at Uncle Tom’s Community Centre in Orlando. Gauteng MPL Tshilidzi Munyai, who chairs the provincial portfolio committee on education, is set to hold a third session at Sam Hlalele Community Centre Main Hall in Tembisa on February 28, followed by another session at Falala Community Hall in Soshanguve on March 1.
The Bela Bill hearings are expected to conclude by the end of March, with the National Council of Province’s Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sports, Arts, and Culture adopting the report. A similar process was conducted by the Basic Education Portfolio Committee, which adopted the Bela Bill report despite threats from the DA to challenge the process.
During the public hearing in Randfontein, concerned parent Tshepo Mtshiwana expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of detailed documents provided by Munyai’s committee. He highlighted that the Bill failed to address crucial issues, such as the sale of alcohol near schools, and rejected the Bill on those grounds. Another attendee, Chris Tshebe, a pastor, rejected the Bill entirely, particularly criticizing a clause related to sex education.
Diledile Motsepe, a homeschooling mother, objected to a clause that required parents to apply to the Department of Education to homeschool their children. She highlighted the importance of teaching children in their home languages and criticized the state’s infringement on parental rights. Motsepe received applause for her remarks during the hearing.
The EFF’s Tubi Melusi expressed support for the Bela Bill, emphasizing the importance of making schooling compulsory from Grade R to Grade 12. He condemned parents who denied their children education and advocated for language rights in schools. However, Evert du Plessis, a parent and DA member, raised concerns about the resources and financial implications of mandating Grade R education, as well as the admission policy decision-making process.
Louis Nel, a parent and attorney, emphasized the need to assist parents and marginalized communities in navigating educational challenges. Rikus de Beer, an educator with 40 years of experience, raised concerns about the impact of the language policy on minority groups and urged consideration for their rights.
Overall, the public hearing in Randfontein showcased a range of opinions and emotions regarding the Bela Bill, underscoring the importance of community engagement in the legislative process.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
