Protecting Children's Rights to Quality Education - Afrika Tikkun Bambanani Responds to the BELA Act Settlement

Advocating for Equitable Access to Education for Every Child

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani remains steadfast in its mission to ensure equitable access to quality education for every child in South Africa, regardless of language, location, or socioeconomic background. The recent settlement discussions surrounding the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act raise important questions about the future of education in the country, particularly the implications of not implementing Clause 4, which addressed critical issues of language and admission policies.

A Missed Opportunity for Inclusivity

Language policies often exclude children from underprivileged communities, restricting their access to quality education. Clause 4 of the BELA Act sought to promote inclusivity by addressing these barriers, ensuring that language and admission policies were more equitable and reflective of South Africa’s diverse cultural landscape.

Without implementing this clause, many children, particularly in rural and township schools where Afrika Tikkun Bambanani operates, remain excluded from opportunities to thrive. These barriers perpetuate cycles of inequality, hindering the development of children in underserved communities.

The Impact on Early Childhood Development

Early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Language plays a pivotal role during formative years, helping to build cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Afrika Tikkun Bambanani has witnessed the transformative power of inclusive language policies combined with gradual exposure to second languages, fostering confidence and competence in children from underserved communities.

Restrictive language policies limit potential and alienate children, leaving them at a disadvantage in their education journey.

Centralising Admissions: Risks and Realities

The shift in control over admission policies from schools to provincial education departments is another contentious issue. While aimed at promoting equitable access, this approach could undermine schools' ability to address their unique contexts and challenges.

Empowering schools to collaborate with governing bodies and communities, with oversight from provincial departments, strikes a better balance between equitable access and local autonomy.

A Call for Child-Centred Policies

Education policies should prioritise the best interests of children. Theresa Michael, CEO of Afrika Tikkun Bambanani, states:"Our focus should always be on the child and their right to quality education. This settlement, however, shifts the focus to adult-centred concerns, leaving the real stakeholders—the children—on the sidelines."

The decision risks burdening already overwhelmed teachers and failing to address the specific needs of diverse communities.

A Call for Collaboration

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani urges the government, unions, and civil society to revisit the challenges posed by language and admission policies. While the BELA Act settlement has paused the debate, the urgent need to address educational inequalities persists. Collaborative solutions are vital to ensuring every child, regardless of language or background, has access to quality education.

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Press Release Submitted By

Organisation: Afrika Tikkun BambananiContact Person: Theresa MichaelContact Email: info@afrikatikkunbambanani.orgWebsite: https://www.afrikatikkunbambanani.org

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Social Media Post

Protecting Children’s Rights to Education

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani urges policymakers to prioritise inclusivity in education. Language and admissions must foster equity for all children.

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