NATIONAL NEWS - Today, Friday 13 September, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector. 

The BELA Bill amends sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 (SASA) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (EEA) to account for developments in the education landscape since the enactment of the original legislation. 

The amendments are a response to court judgments that protect and give effect to the Bill of Rights. 

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube boycotted the signing of the BELA Bill. The minister said in a statement that she remains opposed to the bill in its current form.

Controversial clauses 4 and 5 have been delayed for signature, by 3 months to allow time for further discussion.

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