RISE Mzansi shows support for the BELA Act
Despite having a few concerns regarding the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, Rise Mzansi showed its support for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the Act into law.
“RISE Mzansi notes that today, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act into law. Broadly, we support the BELA Act, although we outline some concerns below,” said RISE Mzansi National Spokesperson, Gugu Ndima.
According to Ndima, BELA, which makes adjustments to the South African Schools Act and the Employment of Educators Act, is a strong piece of legislation that aims to adjust schooling regulations to changing societal and educational demands.
“This will end discrimination, both actual and perceived, particularly based on language, by elevating the importance of every learner’s access to a high-quality education.”
Additionally, Ndima agrees that homeschooling needs to be properly regulated in order to guarantee that it upholds high standards of education and protects kids’ rights to equal educational opportunities.
RISE Mansi expressed worries about the repercussions for parents whose poverty prevents them from enrolling their children in Grade R and wanted clarification on the program’s finances.
Furthermore, Rise Mansi committed to closely monitor the BELA Act’s implementation and, if necessary, use their seat in the National Assembly to make additional revisions.
Rise Mzansi advises all role players and stakeholders to avoid manipulating laws for narrow political purposes, underlining that the needs of learners and educators must take priority, regardless of race, class, or geography.