DA Warns Against Threats
By Thobeka Makume
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Parliament asserts that its partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU) should not dictate the party’s executive appointments. This stance follows reports of a faction within the African National Congress (ANC) calling for the dismissal of Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube over her handling of consultations on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act.
Background on the BELA Act
The BELA Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September 2024, introduces significant changes to South Africa’s education system. Notably, Clauses 4 and 5 have been contentious:
• Clause 4: Grants the Department of Basic Education greater authority over school admission policies.
• Clause 5: Requires school governing bodies to submit their language policies to the provincial head of department for approval.
Implementation of these clauses was suspended for three months to allow for further consultations with civil society organisations and political parties. 
Controversy Surrounding Minister Gwarube
Minister Siviwe Gwarube, a DA appointee, has faced criticism from ANC factions and its alliance partners, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the South African Communist Party (SACP). The criticism intensified after she reached an agreement with the trade union Solidarity regarding the suspension of Clauses 4 and 5. Deputy President Paul Mashatile accused Gwarube of acting in bad faith by allegedly bypassing the GNU’s formal consultation processes. 
DA’s Response
The DA maintains that the selection of its ministers should remain within its discretion. DA Chief Whip George Michalakis stated, “Obviously the DA holds that portfolio and it should be within our discretion who the minister is there.” He emphasised that the BELA Act has been addressed by Parliament and will only return for discussion if the President refers it back.
DA leader John Steenhuisen warned that any attempts to remove Minister Gwarube could jeopardise the stability of the GNU. He criticised misinformation surrounding the ongoing consultations and stressed the importance of unity in resolving policy disagreements. 
Implications for the GNU
The dispute over the BELA Act has exposed underlying tensions within the GNU, a coalition formed after the ANC failed to secure a parliamentary majority in the May 2024 elections. The coalition includes the DA and other smaller parties, each with distinct ideological perspectives. President Ramaphosa has defended the coalition’s durability, acknowledging the diverse histories and outlooks of its members.
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