Page 8 - Basic Education Laws Amendment News Today

Chairperson says all 56 clauses of the Bill were extensively deliberated on

Corporal punishment, which the Department of Basic Education defined to MPs as any punishment that was demeaning to pupils, is abolished under the contentious Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill.

According to the Bela Bill, an MEC can by notice, close a primary school if it has fewer than 135 learners.

A parliamentary committee meant to discuss the contentious Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill was forced to adjourn its meeting on Tuesday after three members walked out leaving it without a quorum.

The walkout by three MPs forced the portfolio committee on Basic Education to adjourn Tuesdays meeting meant to consider and adopt the draft report on the public hearings on the contentious Bela Bill.

South Africa: Basic Education Portfolio Committee Disappointed with ‘Expected’ Walkout

MP says chair of committee refused to allow clarity-seeking questions and forced adoption of incorrect draft report

The report, which Daily Maverick exclusively obtained, was discussed at a meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on 8 August.

Every society is built around the rule of law and adherence to that law. However, the custodians of the law (police and lawmakers) cant be present in every instance where there is a breach of legal and ethical behaviour...

MP calls on the chair of the portfolio committee to ensure that correct processes are being followed