Ramaphosa

2024 - 9 - 13

Ramaphosa Signs the BELA Bill: What Does It Mean for Our Schools and a Little Drama Too!

Basic Education Laws Amendment - BELA Bill - Cyril Ramaphosa - Democratic Alliance - school governance - South African education reform

President Ramaphosa has gone and signed the BELA Bill, but hold your horses – not all is straightforward! Here’s the scoop on the new law and the cheeky pause on some parts of it!

In a notable move for South Africa's education system, President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, aiming to reinforce governance within schools. This law intends to improve administrative and management processes at the school level, a significant step amid ongoing debates about education reform in the country. However, this positive step is marred by fierce opposition, heralding a splintering response across the political landscape. As the saying goes, you can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, and the BELA Bill is proving to be a contentious feast for South African politics.

While the majority of the BELA Bill has been given the green light, Ramaphosa has decided to hit the pause button on two key clauses that have sparked considerable debate. Critics, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), believe that certain aspects of the bill are divisive and could sow further discord in an already complex political landscape. Ramaphosa's careful maneuvering serves to highlight the delicate balance he must maintain in the unity government; after all, education shouldn’t be a battleground, right?

As schools await the implications of the signing, the focus on governance reforms raises the question – can better management lead to improved outcomes? The BELA Bill does not directly tackle pressing issues like the curriculum changes and pass rates that have plagued our education system for decades, yet it lays down a framework that could reshape school governance. It’s akin to upgrading the engine of a car without fixing the dents on the body, so only time will tell if this move will steer South African education in the right direction.

Interestingly, while this legislative update is shaking things up in the education sector, it also reflects the intricate nature of governance in a diverse society like South Africa. History shows that the journey to education reform is rarely a straight path. In fact, various countries have faced similar educational upheavals; for example, Finland, which is now celebrated for its innovative education system, was once grappling with deeply entrenched challenges. South Africa's latest venture into education reform, though met with challenges, could potentially lead to groundbreaking change if navigated thoughtfully onward!

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Bela bill: South Africa's President Ramaphosa moves to avert ... (BBC News)

Education reform row threatens South Africa unity government · What is in the Bela law? · Why has there been such fierce opposition? · Has Ramaphosa defused the ...

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Image courtesy of "South African Government News Agency"

President Ramaphosa signs BELA Bill (South African Government News Agency)

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South ...

President Cyril Ramaphosa: Signing into law of Basic Education ... (South African Government)

Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the signing into law of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, Union Buildings, Tshwane. Programme Director,

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Image courtesy of "Daily Maverick"

Ramaphosa signs Bela Bill into law, but presses pause on two ... (Daily Maverick)

President Ramaphosa has signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill into law after much trepidation, but is halting the implementation of two key clauses ...

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Image courtesy of "Democratic Alliance"

DA condemns President Ramaphosa's divisive approach to the ... (Democratic Alliance)

Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Willie Aucamp MP. The Democratic Alliance (DA) strongly urges President Cyril Ramaphosa to ...

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Image courtesy of "News24"

Ramaphosa signs Bela Bill as DA backtracks on GNU threat (News24)

Primarily, the Bela Bill focuses on administrative and management processes at the school level. It does not address issues such as curriculum, pass rates, ...

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Image courtesy of "Capricorn FM"

Ramaphosa postpones full implementation of BELA Bill - Capricorn ... (Capricorn FM)

President Cyril Ramaphosa has postponed the full implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill to allow for further engagements on two clauses ...

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Image courtesy of "Smile 90.4FM"

Ramaphosa signs BELA Bill; sections still open for consultation (Smile 90.4FM)

Most parts of the controversial BELA Bill have officially been signed into law, and are ready for implementation - except for two clauses in it.

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Image courtesy of "Politicsweb"

BELA Bill signed into law, but ... – Cyril Ramaphosa - DOCUMENTS ... (Politicsweb)

Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the signing into law of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, Union Buildings, Tshwane. 13 September 2024.

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