AfriForum says NCOP support for BELA Bill proves that school communities must be able to decide for themselves
14 May 2024
AfriForum states that the support of eight out of the nine provincial legislators for the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill (also known as the BELA Bill) in this morning’s full session of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) proves that politicians are willing to sacrifice anything – including quality education and our children’s future – for their own ideological goals and short-term electoral success. According to AfriForum, this proves why final decisions on key issues such as schools’ language and admissions policies should not rest in the hands of politically subservient officials and political appointees, but with communities themselves.
Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs, finds it disheartening to see how politicians are trying to have the Bill approved at all costs before the election, despite growing public opposition to it.
“Since 2017, the public has shown overwhelming opposition against the Bill. Some amendments have been made to it over the years, but key issues such as decisions about language and admissions policies that the public opposes are still part of it. The past week has seen protest actions against the BELA Bill by diverse communities across the country, but still the ANC government is ignoring the public. It also proves that all undertakings of the Department of Basic Education to consult with governing bodies on these matters will amount to lip service only,” says Bailey.
AfriForum remains steadfast in their commitment to oppose the BELA Bill nationally and, if necessary, also internationally while it continues to prove a threat to the existence of Afrikaans schools and quality education. AfriForum’s preparations for legal action against it are ready for finalisation, depending on further developments. Announcements by AfriForum will follow continuously in this regard. The public can give their mandate for AfriForum’s legal action against the BELA Bill at www.stopbela.co.za.
Issued by Alana Bailey, Head: Cultural Affairs, AfriForum, 14 May 2024
