Brahm Fleisch | BELA Bill aligns with ConCourt rulings, but is unlikely to address learning crisis

While much of the public debate has focused on a few contentions sections of the BELA Bill, most of the proposed amendments are minor updates, writes education policy expert Brahm Fleisch. He reflects on whether the bill will substantively address South Africa's learning crisis. 

Does the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill address the critical current challenges in South Africa's education system? The answer to this question is both yes and no.

While much of the public debate focuses on a few contentions sections, most of the proposed amendments are minor updates. These changes provide greater clarity on key procedures and align rules with recent Constitutional Court judgements. Unfortunately, the bill does little to address the learning crisis.