Allowing schools to sell alcohol in proposed education bill amendments

The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education is today (Friday) hosting public hearings on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill at Machibini hall in Jozini.

Public participation is a foundation of South Africa’s participatory democracy, and this process allows individuals and organisations to shape the laws that govern all aspects of our lives.

This is in line with Chapter 59(1) of South Africa’s Constitution, which compels the National Assembly to facilitate public involvement in the legislative process.

In addition, the legislative sector adopted a public participation model that places public consultation at the centre of how it does its business.

Some of the key amendments that the Bill aims to make include:

• Making Grade R the new compulsory school starting age, as opposed to Grade 1 as is currently the case
• Compelling the registration of home-schooled learners
• Criminalising parents who do not ensure their child or children are in school, with fines or jail time up to 12 months
• Holding school governing bodies more accountable for disclosures of financial interests, including those related to their spouses and family members
• Prohibiting educators from conducting business with the State or being a director of public or private companies conducting business with the State
• Abolishing corporal punishment and initiation/hazing practices
• Allowing schools to sell alcohol outside of school hours
• Giving government department heads power over language policies and the curriculums a school must adopt.

Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, chairperson of the committee said, “The committee calls on the people of KZN to come out and make their submissions on the Bill. The final Bill must take into consideration the views of the people of KZN, and this process provides a platform to guide Parliament when making laws.”

The public hearings are open to everyone and all contributions, whether oral or written, are to be considered when the committee deliberates on the Bill.

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