Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa urged support for the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, which aims to improve education for all children.
He said that the Act strengthens early learning, holds parents more accountable, and promotes inclusivity in classrooms.
Speaking at the National Teaching Awards on Saturday, Ramaphosa emphasised the need for equitable education across South Africa and highlighted the government’s efforts to revise the curriculum for a changing world.
“The passage of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act is part of ongoing efforts to build an education system that is more effective and more equitable.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the BELA Act is part of efforts to build a more equitable education system. Ramaphosa was speaking at the National Teacher’s Awards in Kempton Park. The president says the Act strengthens early learning foundations. He also says it promotes greater… pic.twitter.com/XbbCAFVZH5
— eNCA (@eNCA) October 5, 2024
“Among other things, the Act provides for early learning foundations to be strengthened, promotes greater accountability of parents for their children’s learning and promotes inclusivity in the classroom,” Ramaphosa said.
Last month, Ramaphosa signed the Bill into law but delayed the implementation of clauses 4 and 5, concerning school admissions and language, by three months to allow for further discussion and address opposition concerns.
“In the interests of inclusivity, we have created space for engagement among some concerned parties on aspects of the legislation. But that process cannot undermine the transformational nature of this law,” the president.
He praised teachers as role models and acknowledged ongoing work to close resource gaps between schools, while encouraging collaboration with unions and School Governing Bodies.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
