President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his commitment to fully implement the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA), without undue delay.
The Presidency issued a statement on Sunday, noting the ‘settlement agreement’ between the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, and the Solidarity Movement on BELA.
Ramaphosa has made it clear that the agreement has no bearing – in law or practical effect – on the inclusive multiparty discussions that are underway on the contentious sections 4 and 5 of the Act.
The Solidarity Movement – which includes Afriforum – is opposed to these sections, in its current form, as they fear it could give Education Departments too much power to decide on language and admission policy.
It follows criticisms from the ANC, Cosatu, SADTU and the Office of the Deputy President, who have all expressed reservations about the agreement between the Education Minister and Solidarity.
Paul Mashatile’s office called the agreement “unauthorised” while SADTU accused the Minister of being on the side of “anti-transformation and a suitcase carrier of the racists in this country.”
Ramaphosa has emphasized the agreement bears no influence on his powers to ultimately take a decision regarding the commencement of the Act.
When the President signed the Bill into law on 13 September, Ramaphosa gave all parties three months to submit proposals on sections 4 and 5.
The President therefore awaits the outcome of those deliberations. It must be noted that the BELA Act was duly passed by Parliament and assented to by the President. It is now law. The Minister of Basic Education is enjoined to work towards its implementation, sections 4 and 5 aside.
The next step is for the President to determine the date of commencement and for the necessary regulations to be finalised.
The President is bound by the Constitution and the law and remains steadfast in ensuring transformation in the education sector for the benefit of present and future generations of learners.
READ THE PRESIDENCY’S STATEMENT IN FULL
