BEAT THE DEADLINE - BELA Bill Submission

Below is a brief submission you can copy and paste to make sure changes are made to the BELA Bill - the deadline is Friday 19 January at 16:00. DEADLINE EXTENDED: Now Wednesday 31 January at 16:00. By pressing on belabill@parliament.gov.za your browser should open an email.

[“TO” field:] belabill@parliament.gov.za.

[INSERT IN SUBJECT LINE]: BASIC EDUCATION LAWS AMENDMENT BILL

ATTENTION: Ms Noluthando Skaka

Dear Mr ME Nchabeleng, Chairperson: Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the BELA Bill, currently before the Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture.

I am a concerned citizen.

Unfortunately, I have to reject this bill for the following reasons:

1. Clause 25 of the BELA Bill makes it easier to close small public schools especially small rural schools as no reasons for the closure need be given.

2. Online and Hybrid Education is not catered for in the Bill despite the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education in the National Assembly agreeing it would be.

3. No detailed provisions for Early Childhood Development are included in the Bill despite the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education also agreeing to this.

4. No provision is made for the registration of independent micro schools.

5. New restrictions are placed on home schooling.

6. Responsibilities of School Governing Bodies are being removed and centralised.

7. The national Minister is asking for power to make regulations by herself, without them being “in consultation with” the public, and then wants to enforce those regulations through fines and jail time.

I urge the NCOP to listen to those providing practical solutions and to take the time needed to amend the version of the Bill sent to the NCOP by the National Assembly.

Sincerely yours,

[Name and surname]

[Email]

[Daytime telephone number]