Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences, and Creative Industries, Makhi Feni, has addressed a range of urgent national issues affecting the basic education sector.

Speaking at the Social Services Cluster Briefing on Monday, he highlighted challenges ranging from infrastructure damage caused by recent floods to the implementation of progressive education legislation, including the BELA Act and the Early Childhood Development Amendment Act.

Feni expressed his deepest condolences following a tragic incident where 13 schoolchildren died after a minibus fell into a river while crossing a bridge in the Eastern Cape. He described it as a national tragedy that reflects broader infrastructure and safety failures.

“We lost the future. As the committee, we are with the families. We are feeling what they are feeling,” Feni said.

He emphasised the committee’s commitment to investigating the incident and supporting the affected families.

He confirmed that oversight visits and a full disaster management report would be pursued to investigate possible negligence or poor workmanship in infrastructure projects.

Feni stressed the importance of accountability in infrastructure spending, especially after floods have severely damaged school properties across the country.

“We do not want to find ourselves rebuilding because someone ticked a box without providing quality.”

Moreover, Feni said the committee would work with the Auditor General to monitor the use of public funds and submit quarterly broadcast reports to ensure transparency.

Feni also welcomed the implementation of the Bela Act, signed into law in 2023, which mandates Compulsory Grade R and emphasises early childhood education.

The BELA Act (Basic Education Laws Amendment), aimed at eliminating discriminatory admissions policies and ensuring equal access to public schools, is central to the committee’s oversight, he said.

Feni raised concern over recent confusion between non-binding guidelines and the yet-to-be-finalised legal regulations for the Bela Act implementation.

“Implementation of the Bela Act is not an option to schools, but a law of the republic,” Feni said. “There will be no no-go areas. All schools must be open to all our kids, regardless of race or class.”

He warned against those resisting transformation, noting some schools still behave as though they serve only specific racial groups.

Feni highlighted the importance of qualified educators for early childhood development (ECD), particularly for children with disabilities, asserting it is a constitutional mandate, not a favour.

He confirmed that ECD functions have officially migrated to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), following the Children’s Amendment Act, and oversight visits will include ECD centres.

“No child must be left behind,” said Feni.

He stressed inclusive support from birth through Grade R and the importance of dedicated infrastructure and skilled staff for learners with special needs.

The committee acknowledged the strain on schools in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KZN due to internal migration patterns, calling for data-driven planning and maintenance of schools to address overcrowding in economically active provinces.

“We cannot continue to ignore maintenance, especially in poor areas,” he said.

Turning to governance and SETA boards (Sector Education and Training Authorities), Feni warned against politicisation and nepotism:

“SETA’s must serve the interest they were created for, workplace experience and skills. This cannot be a platform for bickering or chess games.”

He called for transparency in board appointments, emphasizing due diligence, gender equity, and the constitutional role of the minister, not friendships or political favour.

“Deserving candidates must not be disadvantaged due to political affiliation,” Feni said.

“Women must be appointed to chair these boards. This is 2026.”

“We cannot allow a situation where children are denied opportunities because of their background. If there is any evidence of nepotism, it must be brought to the forefront.”

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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