President Ramaphosa Urges Support For BELA Act To Ensure Quality Education For Children

President Cyril Ramaphosa urged everyone to support the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act to ensure that all children receive a quality education.

He noted that passing the BELA Act is part of ongoing efforts to create a more effective and fair education system, explaining that the act aims to strengthen early learning foundations, increase parental accountability for their children's education and promote inclusivity in the classroom.

Ramaphosa last month signed the Bill into law but postponed the implementation of two clauses, 4 and 5, which relate to school admissions and language. He delayed these clauses by three months to allow for more discussion and debate after the act faced some opposition.

Speaking during the 24th installment of the National Teaching Awards as the globe commemorates World Teacher's Day at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, Ramaphosa explained the spirit and purpose of this new legislation.

"In the interests of inclusivity, we have created space for engagement among some concerned parties on aspects of the legislation. But that process cannot undermine the transformational nature of this law," he said, SA News reported.

He added, "In some schools, resources are plenty, the schoolyard is safe, there are basic amenities, the pupil-teacher ratio is appropriate, and learning takes place in good conditions. But in others, educators struggle to obtain even the most basic resources for teaching, schools lack safe toilets and running water, and crime and violence from outside the school inevitably finds its way in."

Considering the high rate of youth unemployment in South Africa, the president emphasized that educators must ensure schools provide the skills needed by the economy.

The president highlighted the importance of preparing every student to feel confident and capable enough to continue their education, find a job or start their own business.

Ramaphosa mentioned that they are working to fully implement a three-stream model, which offers academic, vocational and occupational paths for learners. He acknowledged the ongoing commitment to honoring educators and recognizing their special and valued role in society.

He reflected on how everyone is shaped by the teachers they had, sharing fond memories of his teachers from Tshilidzi Primary School in Soweto and Mphaphuli High School in Sibasa, Venda, recalling that they still hold a special place in his heart.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube expressed her gratitude to the president for his strong support, noting that the future leaders of the country deserve dedicated leadership.

Last month, Minister of Higher Education and Training Nobuhle Nkabane announced that the department is all set to send about 100 South African students to China next year to study important future skills to address the skills mismatch across South Africa.