President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to publicly sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law at the Union Buildings on Friday, 13 September 2024.
Story Summary:
- The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill is set to be signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, sparking political tensions.
- The bill, which proposes changes in school governance and compulsory education, faces opposition from the Democratic Alliance (DA).
- DA’s Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, is caught in the backlash as the bill awaits Ramaphosa’s signature.
First major test for the GNU ahead of Ramaphosa’s media event on Friday
The bill, which seeks to reform several key aspects of basic education in South Africa, has sparked significant political tension, putting the Government of National Unity (GNU) under pressure.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a key member of the coalition government, is fiercely opposed to the bill.
The party argues that it centralises too much power within the Department of Basic Education, diminishing the role of school governing bodies. DA leader John Steenhuisen called for an urgent meeting with Ramaphosa to halt the signing, claiming that the bill threatens the stability of the GNU.
According to the DA’s spokesperson, Willie Aucamp:
“The President is putting a knife to the throat of the GNU by rushing to sign the BELA Bill into law.”
The public signing of the bill represents the first major test for the national coalition, raising concerns about whether the GNU can withstand internal divisions.
DA minister caught in crossfire of BELA Bill backlash
Caught dead in the centre of the controversy is DA’s Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube.
As the official responsible for implementing the BELA Bill, Gwarube finds herself in a politically difficult position.
The DA’s firm opposition to the bill puts her in a conflicting role—enforcing a law her party fundamentally disagrees with.
Her position has led to speculation about her next move.
Some analysts suggest she may be forced to resign, while others argue that her role may become symbolic, with provincial education departments handling the bill’s implementation regardless of her stance.
Gwarube could also face pressure from within her party.
One option for the DA could be to challenge the bill in court, though this would reveal the fragility of the coalition government.
If the DA remains in the GNU after the bill is signed, it risks appearing powerless, while a withdrawal from the coalition could further destabilise the government.
What is the BELA Bill? – Here is an explainer in simple terms
The BELA Bill introduces significant amendments to South Africa’s education laws, particularly regarding governance and parental responsibilities.
Here are the key points:
- Compulsory education: The bill makes it mandatory for all children to attend school starting in Grade R (before Grade 1). Parents who fail to ensure this could face penalties.
- School governance: One of the most contentious parts of the bill involves transferring decision-making powers from school governing bodies to provincial education departments. This change impacts policies on school admissions and language, shifting control away from local communities.
- Homeschooling: The bill also introduces stricter regulations for homeschooling, requiring parents to meet specific standards set by the education department.
- Accountability and penalties: The bill increases penalties for parents and caregivers who prevent children from attending school or fail to adhere to educational regulations.
DA members argue that the bill centralises too much power, undermining local governance.
They fear it could reduce the quality of education by stripping communities of their ability to make decisions based on local needs.
In contrast, supporters of the bill believe it will standardise policies and improve access to quality education across the country.
As Ramaphosa prepares to sign the bill into law, the ongoing backlash could escalate, potentially redefining the future of the GNU.
For now, all eyes remain on the President’s signing ceremony on Friday, which will be a crucial moment for South Africa’s education sector and its political landscape.
