Democratic Alliance (DA) Minister of Basic Education, Dr. Siviwe Gwarube
By Thabo Mosia
On 13 September 2024, tensions have intensified as Democratic Alliance (DA) Minister of Basic Education, Dr. Siviwe Gwarube, has publicly expressed her strong opposition to the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill. President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to sign the Bill into law today despite significant pushback from the DA and other stakeholders.
Dr. Gwarube’s concerns focus on the constitutionality of the Bill, particularly the provisions that transfer decision-making powers on admissions and language policies from school governing bodies (SGBs) to provincial heads of departments. The DA argues that this move could undermine parents’ roles and threaten Afrikaans mother-tongue education in South Africa, particularly in schools that were formerly segregated under apartheid.
The DA leader, John Steenhuisen, has issued a statement in line with Gwarube’s position, warning that signing the Bill could endanger the Government of National Unity (GNU). Steenhuisen insists that the Bill violates the letter and spirit of the GNU’s joint Statement of Intent and that the DA’s concerns about mother-tongue education and the phased implementation of Grade R have not been adequately addressed. He has requested that the President send the Bill back to Parliament for reconsideration and amendments to avoid constitutional challenges.
In contrast, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have firmly backed the BELA Bill, lauding its focus on dismantling systemic inequalities in education. The EFF emphasizes that the shift in admissions policies will prevent predominantly white schools from using their autonomy to exclude African learners. The party has been vocal on social media, urging President Ramaphosa to sign the Bill, stating, “WE VOTED FOR IT, NOW SIGN IT!”
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has also joined the chorus, slamming the DA’s opposition. Lesufi took to social media platform X to call for immediate signing of the Bill, stating that the DA’s resistance stems from its “inherent hatred of the African child.”
Amidst this political storm, Ramaphosa’s office has remained steadfast in its decision to proceed with the signing, arguing that the Bill will enhance governance in the education sector and ensure access to quality education for all learners, especially in marginalized communities.
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