ANC says BELA Bill has followed a fair process

Source: EWN Traffic
Author: Babalo Ndenze

CAPE TOWN - The African National Congress (ANC) says the controversial Basic Education Amendment Laws (BELA) Bill has followed a fair process, and expects it to be signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

On Thursday morning, the National Assembly (NA) is set to consider and adopt the Bill when it meets for the last time in the sixth Parliamentary term.

The bill's adoption will also give concurrence to amendments made by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on language and admission policies in public schools.

It's the latest legislation to face scrutiny after the National Health Insurance was signed into law on Wednesday.

READ: NHI to be implemented in 2 phases - Phaahla

Years of debating the BELA Bill in the NCOP and NA is expected to come to an end on Thursday, when the latter adopts the final version of the contentious bill.

ANC member of Parliament Nombuyiselo Adoons said the assembly must adopt the Bill, so it joins the NHI and becomes law.

"So we are as the ANC agreeing that these amendments must pass so that we see the BELA Bill being also signed into law."

While the Economic Freedom Fighters support the bill and the changes, the Democratic Alliance says the ANC was hellbent on forcing the bill and the NCOP changes through the committee.