Basic Education committee sheds light on BELA Act guidelines

CAPE TOWN - The portfolio committee on Basic Education says Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act norms and regulations being developed by the ministry are not amendments to the act. 

Committee chairperson Joy Maimela says new regulations governing how the contentious BELA  Act will be implemented are merely guidelines.

Maimela was responding to questions during a social cluster media briefing in parliament on Thursday on issues affecting the department. 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said last month that Minister Siviwe Gwarube is tasked with developing regulations as well as norms and standards that will govern the BELA Act.

The party said this will include contentious sections around language and admissions and will "protect school autonomy from subversion". 

READ: Opposition to BELA Act borders on racism - Basic Education committee's Maimela

This followed the president’s pronouncement that the entire act would be implemented fully, including the contentious clauses. 

But Maimela was quick to remind them that this changes nothing. 

"We must make something very clear. The regulations do not change and do not amend the act. You can’t amend the act utilising regulations. The regulations are merely guidelines on how to implement the provisions of the act."

Maimela said they would interact with the minister once the regulations have been finalised. Meanwhile, the Good Party says the BELA Act is a win for children and ensures school language policies remain fair and transparent.