Ramaphosa officially signs BELA Bill into law

PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) policy into law.

The BELA Bill, as it was previously known, makes changes to the South African Schools Act of 1996.

These changes include making Grade R compulsory for all children and making the provincial education department responsible for school language policies.

READ: Gwarube says she will not be attending signing of BELA Bill into law

Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday, Ramaphosa said the bill would transform the country’s schooling sector.

 “The bill is part of the state’s ongoing effort to build an education system that is more effective and more equitable. The passage of this bill follows extensive consultation process that sought to take account of the views and suggestions from across society.”