Bela Act Proclamation A Milestone For Transformation

African National Congress ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula says that the proclamation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment BELA Act marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of South Africas education system.

Mbalula was briefing the media at the partys headquarters in Johannesburg, Gauteng today.

His comments come after President Cyril Ramaphosas directive on Friday that the BELA Act must be implemented in its entirety, following two contested clauses that deal with admissions and language.

Mbalula has described the implementation of the BELA Act as a victory for constitutional values.

The full BELA Act enrols a new era of inclusivity addressing historical inequalities and affirming the rights of all learners to quality education. Majors such as universal access to grade, the elimination of corporal punishment, centralised admissions and equitable language policies dismantled remnants of apartheid era practices. This is a victory for constitutional values.