Reference: Published by Staff Writer (BusinessTech), 14 May 2024

https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/771843/government-pushes-through-new-school-rules

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) recently approved the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, receiving support from eight of the nine provinces. The bill was considered last Tuesday, May 14, after a brief postponement due to a procedural issue.

The bill, now referred to as the amended D-bill, was not supported by the Western Cape province. During its review, the Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sport, Arts, and Culture made several adjustments, particularly concerning language and admission policies, which were hot topics among the provinces.

Key changes introduced in the D-bill include:

• Schools can now develop their own language and admission policies, though these must ultimately be approved by the Department of Basic Education.
• Enhanced regulations for school governing bodies.
• The establishment of Grade R as the mandatory starting age for schooling.
• Criminal penalties for parents failing to send their children to school.
• Regulations concerning home education.
• A reinforced ban on corporal punishment.

The bill’s provisions regarding language and admission policies faced significant resistance from educational groups and opposition parties. The Democratic Alliance (DA), which opposed the bill throughout the committee discussions, noted that minor amendments were made allowing schools some autonomy in setting these policies, but provincial heads of department retain the authority to approve or amend them.

Opponents like the Union Solidarity have suggested they might pursue legal avenues if the bill becomes law.

The legislative journey of the bill continues as it returns to the National Assembly for further debate this Thursday, May 16, as outlined by the DA. The Assembly’s Committee on Basic Education will review the bill before it goes to a full house vote.

If the National Assembly approves the amended bill, it will be forwarded to the president for signing. However, with the current parliamentary session concluding this week and the impending shift to the seventh administration post-election, the bill’s final approval may be delayed.