The Tiger Brands Foundation hails the passing of the BELA Bill as a crucial step toward creating a more inclusive and equitable education system in schools that are based in vulnerable communities, where the foundation operates.
“The BELA Bill represents a significant shift in South Africa’s educational landscape. While it has sparked considerable debate, its potential benefits for schools in vulnerable communities are noteworthy,” says Tiger Brands Foundation director, Eugene Absolom.
Absolom notes that one of the most impactful provisions of the BELA Bill is the compulsory introduction of Grade R. For many children in disadvantaged areas, early childhood education is often out of reach due to financial barriers.
“By making Grade R mandatory, the Bill ensures that all learners, regardless of their socio-economic background, start their formal education on an equal footing,” says Absolom.
Beyond early childhood education, the BELA Bill introduces provisions aimed at addressing historical inequalities in South Africa’s education system and ensuring that language is not a barrier to accessing quality education.
The Bill proposes giving provincial Heads of Departments more control over schools’ language and admission policies.
“For schools in vulnerable communities, this means a more inclusive approach that can accommodate diverse linguistic backgrounds, developing a more equitable educational environment,” he says.
Furthermore, the bill also strengthens child protection laws by reinforcing the ban on corporal punishment and harsh initiation practices in schools.
This provision, says Absolom, is a step towards creating a more nurturing educational setting, especially in schools in vulnerable communities, where such practices might still be prevalent.
“While the BELA Bill has its critics, its potential to positively impact vulnerable schools in South Africa is significant. These changes are crucial for addressing the deep-rooted inequalities in South Africa’s education system and ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to succeed,” he concludes.
The Tiger Brands Foundation provides a hot and nutritious breakfast every school day to thousands of learners from vulnerable communities across South Africa.
The Foundation’s efforts complement the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which provides a meal to all learners in primary and secondary schools nationwide.
This initiative is vital in a country where child hunger remains a widespread challenge, with over half a million households with young children experiencing food insecurity.
IOL