The Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education under the stewardship of Chairperson, Honourable Tshilidzi Munyai is holding public hearings on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill of 2022. The hearings aim to gather input from the public and stakeholders on proposed changes to the South African Schools Act (SASA) of 1996 and the Employment of Educators Act (EEA) of 1998 (Act No. 76 of 1998).
This amended piece of legislation introduces a few changes to the South African Schools Act and the Employment of Educators Act, for relevance in the current education landscape. The Bill also aims to ensure that systems of learning give effect to the right to basic education enshrined in section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
Among others, the latest amendments also include:
• System improvements in terms of admission of learners to public schools.
• Financial and public accountability frameworks for governing bodies and provincial departments.
• Decision-making and oversight powers of heads of departments and members of the executive councils.
The Public Hearings scheduled as follows:
- 23rd of February 2024 @ 11:30am: Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality – Uncle Tom’s Community Centre, Kumalo St, Orlando West, Soweto
- 26th of February 2024 @10:00am: Sedibeng and Rand West Municipalities – IEC Hall, Kenneth Rd, Greenhills, Randfontein
- 28th of February 2024 @10:00am: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality – Sam Hlalele Community Centre Main Hall, Andrew Mapheto Drive, Tembisa
- 01st of March 2024 @11:30am: Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality – Falala Community Hall (Soshanguve Block F), Soshanguve
The public hearings will be streamed live through the GPL’s YouTube and Facebook pages:
A copy of the bill is available on the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Website: www.gpl.gov.za
ISSUED BY GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF CHAIRPERSON OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION HONOURABLE TSHILIDZI MUNYAI