By Thabo Mosia
The second meeting of the Government of National Unity (GNU) clearing house mechanism convened on Thursday, focusing on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act and preparations for South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency. Led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, this multi-party platform, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, aims to resolve policy differences within the GNU, comprising ten political parties across the South African political spectrum.
During the session, officials revisited the clearing house’s terms of reference, building on progress made in the first meeting last week. Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa and Deputy Minister of Justice Andries Nel presented updates on BELA Act discussions and outlined preparations for the G20 Summit in Brazil, where South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency in December 2024. The G20 summit will serve as a prominent international stage for the GNU’s commitment to strengthening South Africa’s role in multilateral affairs, reflecting the clearing house’s goal of enhancing coordination on global and national policy matters.
The BELA Act discussions focused on contentious issues such as school admissions and language policy, reflecting diverse views within the GNU. Signed into law by President Ramaphosa in September, the BELA Act faced opposition from parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA), which voiced concerns over clauses impacting mother-tongue education. The Freedom Front Plus and other opposition members reiterated calls for an inclusive approach that considers linguistic diversity, underscoring the importance of protecting cultural and educational rights across the country   .
Furthering its mandate, the clearing house also announced plans to establish a Political Leaders’ Forum, a dedicated channel for GNU parties to address policy disagreements. This forum, alongside a technical committee, will help preemptively manage disputes and develop unified strategies for addressing critical issues like poverty alleviation, economic growth, and public service delivery.
While the clearing house will not override Cabinet decisions, it aims to enhance cooperation within the GNU and address any points of contention. The Presidency emphasized that this collaborative platform aligns with South Africa’s broader goals of fostering accountability and advancing social and economic priorities. The platform’s ongoing dialogue, particularly on the BELA Act and G20 leadership responsibilities, underscores the government’s commitment to unified governance amid the complexities of coalition politics  .
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