Leading youth development organisation, Afrika Tikkun, commends President Cyril Ramaphosa’s intent to address the systemic inequalities in South Africa’s education system with the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.
The organisation, however highlights that the Bill, which has been highly debated, demands serious reflection. “While its provisions offer a framework for improving access and standardising quality, we cannot ignore the potential repercussions it poses. The Bill, despite its promises, represents both opportunities and significant challenges for our nation’s youth, educators, and communities,” says Dr Onyi Nwaneri, Chief Executive Officer, Afrika Tikkun.
A Step Toward Educational Equity – But at What Cost?
Afrika Tikkun supports the broader goals of the BELA Bill—centralised admissions, standardised curricula, and enhanced oversight could play pivotal roles in addressing deep-rooted disparities in South Africa’s education system. These measures can potentially reduce the wide gaps in educational quality between urban and rural areas, and between affluent and underprivileged communities.
Nwaneri, however cautions that centralisation must not come at the expense of local autonomy or cultural identity. “The risk of homogenising education policies without consideration for South Africa’s diverse cultural and linguistic landscape could undermine the very equity the Bill seeks to achieve. Local communities, schools, and parents play a crucial role in shaping education that is sensitive to the needs and identities of their children. By disregarding this influence, we risk creating a system that fails to reflect the realities of our most vulnerable.”
Language Policies: A Threat to Cultural Diversity?
Afrika Tikkun recognises the need for consistency in school admissions and language policies to ensure fairness and clarity. However, the organisation raises concerns about the possible erosion of linguistic diversity if the government mandates language policies that ignore the importance of mother-tongue education. “In a country where language is closely tied to identity and heritage, any shifts in policy must protect and celebrate this diversity, not dilute it in the name of standardisation,” says Nwaneri.
The Home Education Debate: Striking a Balance
While Afrika Tikkun supports the need for oversight to ensure that home-schooled children receive quality education, it is wary of overregulation that could stifle the flexibility that many parents value.
Home schooling offers a tailored approach to learning, which can be beneficial to certain learners. The BELA Bill’s stringent registration processes may place undue pressure on families, restricting their ability to choose educational paths that best suit their children’s unique needs.
Child Safety: A Non-Negotiable Priority
“We stand firmly behind the prohibition of corporal punishment and harmful initiation practices, as outlined in the BELA Bill. These practices have no place in modern education and must be eradicated to protect our children from physical and psychological harm,” says Nwaneri.
She continues to reinforce that we must prepare teachers and school communities for the transition to non-violent forms of discipline through adequate training and resources. Without this, the shift away from corporal punishment may face significant cultural resistance, undermining efforts to create a safe and nurturing school environment.
In Conclusion: A Cautious Path Forward
Afrika Tikkun calls on all stakeholders—educators, parents, policymakers, and communities—to approach the implementation of the BELA Bill with care and critical thought. While the Bill holds promise in addressing educational inequity, it also poses serious risks if not handled with the cultural sensitivity and local inclusivity that South Africa’s education system desperately needs.
We must ensure that the pursuit of standardisation does not trample on the values of diversity, local agency, and educational freedom.
Visit https://afrikatikkun.org/ to find out more.