SADTU, NAPTOSA slam new guidelines on BELA Act
The Minister of Education has issued guidelines around the controversial Act.
On Friday, 13 September 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Picture: Thabiso Goba / Eyewitness News
Tshidi Madia (in for Clement Manyathela on 702) hosts a dialogue on the issue.
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Teachers' unions have raised questions around the legal standing of guidelines for the implementation of the 2024 Amendments to the South African Schools Act.
The Minister of Education released a set of guidelines for the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act last week, without gazetting them.
The release of these guidelines, which aim to clarify the interpretation and rollout of the BELA Act, has led to a deep divide amongst stakeholders.
According to Nkosiphendule Ntantala, Deputy President of the National Professional Teachers Organisation of SA (NAPTOSA), NAPTOSA is concerned that the issuing of the guidelines was premature, and there has not been enough meaningful consultation.
“This is like saying that while you are driving the car you will be fixing things that have not been finalised.”
- Nkosiphendule Ntantala, Deputy President of NAPTOSA
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Nomusa Cembi, Media Officer for the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), says the organisation totally rejects the guidelines.
Werner Human from Solidarity says the organisation, which has been vehemently opposed to the BELA Act, says they are willing to work with these guidelines, but are still opposed to the Act overall.
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