BELA Bill must be passed to protect children, says EFF

CAPE TOWN - Despite some pushback, not all parties in Parliament are opposed to the contentious Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.

While the official opposition, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) have vowed to fight the so-called BELA bill, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said it must be passed to protect children.

The National Assembly's basic education committee on Wednesday adopted the bill, including amendments made by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

EFF MP Ringo Madlingozi: "I must also be part of the agreeing members of this portfolio committee that the amendments done on these clauses cannot be taken back to public participation. The portfolio committee should protect the bill from becoming cold and not change the lives of our children's children."

The National Assembly is expected to adopt the bill at a sitting on Thursday.