The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education will this morning continue with oral submissions on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill. 
 
The Bill proposes to amend the South African Schools Act of 1996 and the Employment of Educators Act of 1998, so as to align them with developments in the education landscape and to ensure that systems of learning are put in place in a manner that gives effect to the right to basic education enshrined in section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. 
 
Amongst other things, the Bill seeks to amend certain definitions, to provide that attendance of Grade R is compulsory, and to provide for system improvements in terms of admission of learners to public schools. 

It also provides for financial and public accountability frameworks for governing bodies and provincial departments. 

The Bill further provides for additional regulatory powers of the Minister, and enhancing decision making and oversight powers of Heads of Departments and Members of the Executive Councils. The hearings are hybrid and can be followed on Parliament platforms.