STAFF REPORTER
THE Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has been advised to reconsider clause 8 of the Basic Education Laws Bill that provides for the possession, consumption, or sale of liquor during any private or religious function held on the school’s premises.
There was a general fear that allowing the sale of alcohol is counterproductive and will send a wrong message to learners especially in a country struggling with substance abuse.
The committee successfully hosted the second of three public hearings on the Bill in the Eastern Cape at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sports Centre in Komani.
Despite wide-ranging support of the Bill, many participants were of the view that schools should find alternative ways of raising funds.
Meanwhile, teachers raised a concern that they should not be burdened with the management of learner pregnancy at schools mainly because they are ill-equipped to handle such situations.
Teachers, attending the public hearings, also informed the committee that they already have a full plate in dealing with curriculum and administrative functions at schools.
Regardless of the support of the prohibition on corporal punishment in schools, participants underscored their concern that the Bill is silent on the protection of teachers against assault by leaners which, according to some participants, is on the rise.
Also, the Department of Education was called upon to provide adequate alternative measures to instil discipline in schools, something participants felt was lacking.
There were overall contention with regards to clause 37 of the Bill which proposes a process of registering home schooled learners.
On the one hand, supporters of the Bill emphasised that the regulation of the home-schooling environment was necessary to ensure qualitative monitoring and to ensure that teachers are adequately qualified to teach.
Those against the Bill highlighted that the adoption of the Bill in its current form takes away the right of learners and parents to make democratic choices on the best form of education they wish to undertake.
Another area of concern was its silence on blended and online education, a form of learning which participants felt was increasing.
They called for the Bill to include this form of education to ensure the broader strengthening of the education system.
INSIDE POLITICS
