GOOD Party says struggle for justice in language in SA schools far from over

CAPE TOWN - Nearly 50 years after the Soweto Uprising, the GOOD Party said the struggle for justice in language, in our country's schools, is far from over.

GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron said the students of 1976 fought for the right to learn in a language that empowered them.

Herron said the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act is an important step forward.

"The act does not erase any language. Rather, it seeks to open the doors of learning to more children, in more languages, by shifting the final say on school language policies from exclusive school governing bodies to provincial education departments, with necessary safeguards."

Herron said the act protects indigenous languages and ensures language policy serves all learners and communities.

"The BELA Act is not the end of the road, but it is a step toward fulfilling the promise of 1976 – a South Africa where education liberates rather than excludes. A South Africa where every child, regardless of race or language, has the right to learn and thrive."

He said the BELA Act will ensure no child is excluded from a quality education because of the language they speak at home.