By Discussions on the BELA Bill by political parties in parliament are still on-going; this is despite the Government of National Unity (GNU) Minister of Basic Education Ms Siviwe Gwarube having signed an agreement with the Solidarity Union on the Bill.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has affirmed parties and the country that the signing of the agreement by the two parties does not give effect or nullify the time he gave political parties to engage on the BELA Bill, in particular sections 4 and 5.
Ramaphosa assented to the Bill on 13 September 2024, after it was passed by Parliament on 26 October 2023. The Bill caused an uproar in the country, particularly in regards of section 4 and 5 of the Bill. The President then decided to delay the implementation of the Bill by three months to give parties time to deliberate on it.
The decision was to afford parties time to deliberate on the issues of admission and language policy contained in the two sections and to submit proposals on how the disputed elements in the sections will be resolved.
According to the Presidency, the agreement between the Minister and Solidarity has no bearing – in law or practical effect – on the inclusive multiparty discussions that are underway on sections 4 and 5 of the Act. Furthermore, the agreement bears no influence on the President’s powers to ultimately take a decision regarding the commencement of the Act.
“President Ramaphosa reiterates his commitment to the undertaking he made when he signed the Bill on 13 September 2024 to give the 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,” said the Spokesperson to the President Vincent Magwenya.
“The next step is for the President to determine the date of commencement and for the necessary regulations to be finalised. This will be done without undue delay. 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,” concluded Magwenya.
