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Cracks within the Government of National Unity (GNU) are widening by the day and this may lead to an earlier than anticipated end to the GNU as the Democratic Alliance (DA) has also threatened that, firing their ministers will lead to an end of the GNU.
It has now become a government of disunity, while the African National Congress (ANC) marches in one direction, the DA marches in the opposite direction. The BELA Bill has even brought more division between the two parties.
In September 2024, The President of South Africa H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa signed the BELA Bill into law, leaving out the disputed sections 4 and 5 for further consultation, the DA Minister in the GNU for Basic Education Ms Siviwe Gwarube did not attend the ceremony, to which it is argued that it is a fireable offence.
Most recently, Gwarube met and signed an agreement with solidarity on the BELA Act, to which the Presidency said it has no legal bearing on the President to make a decision that favours the DA’s stance on the Bill.
According to the DA Leader Mr John Steenhuisen, there are whispers within the corridors by a faction of the ANC trying to influence President Ramaphosa to fire Minister Gwarube; to this, Steenhuisen says he rejects those attempts.
He says he rejects the firing of Gwarube and any other DA Minister for doing their jobs, as doing so would signal an end to the GNU.
“This amid misinformation around the consultation process which has been taking place since the President signed the BELA Act into law nearly three months ago, withholding clauses 4 and 5, to allow for further consultation from concerned parties. These consultations are on-going through the clearing house mechanism within the GNU.
During this time, the Minister has met with members from Solidarity, and the Presidency, at NEDLAC after a dispute was lodged by the Union. This process is entirely separate from the consultation process, and conflating the two is misleading, and factually incorrect. This was a mandatory process, in terms of the law, to prevent strike action arising out of the dispute. The outcome of this engagement was a settlement, signed by the Minister of Basic Education, the Presidency, and the Union,” said the DA Leader.
“The fact that the Presidency has now distanced itself from this legislated process; which they were party to; is as disgraceful, as it is confusing.
As Leader of the DA I would like to make this point loud and clear. We support the process followed by the Minister, as she was fulfilling her legally obligated responsibilities, and respect the outcome of the negotiations at NEDLAC.
We have been clear since the outset. We are in Government to bring about positive change, including inclusive economic growth, and jobs, and at all times we are guided by the rule of law, and the Constitution of South Africa. Anything to the contrary will not be tolerated,” concluded John Steenhuisen.
