Panyaza Lesufi vs DA’s John Steenhuisen
By Thabo Mosia
ANC Gauteng Provincial Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi has condemned the recent protest led by the DA, Afriforum, and other groups against the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, emphasising that the Act will promote equal access to education across South Africa. The BELA Act, a legislative reform aimed at standardising admissions and language policies in public schools, has become a focal point of contention, with critics arguing it will erode mother-tongue education rights and reduce school autonomy.
The DA, supported by organisations like Afriforum, Solidarity, and the Freedom Front Plus, held a large-scale protest at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, voicing concerns that the BELA Act will limit parental and governing body control over schools. DA Federal Leader John Steenhuisen argued that specific clauses in the Act will strip schools of the ability to make independent language and admissions decisions, disproportionately affecting Afrikaans-speaking communities.
However, Lesufi countered that the Act is essential to ensuring all children have access to quality education, regardless of their background or the language they speak. He described the protest as “misguided,” asserting that the Act’s primary objective is to create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.
Understanding the BELA Act: Key Provisions and Objectives
The BELA Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September 2024, represents a significant step towards reforming South Africa’s education system. At its core, the Act seeks to address disparities in school admissions and promote multilingualism by regulating language policies across public schools.
The Act includes several clauses aimed at fostering inclusivity:
1. School Admissions: The Act gives the Department of Basic Education increased authority over admissions policies, allowing it to standardise procedures and promote equal access. Proponents argue that this will prevent schools from selectively admitting students, which has, in some cases, perpetuated inequality.
2. Language Policy: The language clause in the BELA Act mandates schools to adopt a more inclusive approach to language use, supporting multilingual instruction. The government views this policy as a means to prevent language-based exclusion and to ensure that schools cater to a broader demographic of learners.
The DA’s Opposition: Claims of Reduced Autonomy and Cultural Erosion
The DA’s opposition to the BELA Act centres on two key clauses—Clauses 4 and 5—which pertain to school admissions and language policies. According to Steenhuisen, these clauses “give the state too much control” over education, effectively reducing the decision-making power of school governing bodies. The DA argues that local school authorities, not provincial officials, are best positioned to understand the needs of their communities.
Steenhuisen voiced concerns that these provisions could lead to a decline in mother-tongue education, particularly in Afrikaans. “The constitution is clear—everyone has the right to receive education in the official language or languages of their choice. These hard-fought rights enshrined in our constitution cannot simply be given away at the stroke of a pen,” he stated at the protest.
DA supporters worry that by shifting control to the Department of Basic Education, the Act may undermine the heritage of Afrikaans and other cultural identities preserved within schools. Kallie Kriel, CEO of Afriforum, echoed these concerns, asserting that the BELA Act “targets Afrikaans schools” and threatens their cultural integrity.
Lesufi’s Response: Defending Inclusivity and Equal Access
In response to the DA-led protest, Lesufi defended the BELA Act as a necessary measure for dismantling systemic barriers in education. He argued that by regulating admissions and language policies, the Act seeks to create an education system where “doors of learning and culture shall be opened for all.”
Lesufi dismissed claims that the Act threatens Afrikaans heritage, stating that it prioritises equal access rather than targeting any specific language or cultural group. “This is about giving every child a fair shot at quality education, not about limiting cultural identity,” Lesufi explained. He described the Act as a tool to promote social cohesion, ensuring that schools reflect the diversity of South African society.
Lesufi further criticised the DA’s stance as “protecting privilege,” suggesting that certain groups aim to maintain exclusive control over school policies at the expense of equal access. He emphasised that the Act aligns with South Africa’s constitutional commitment to inclusivity and nondiscrimination in education.
A Historic Protest Against the BELA Act
The protest at the Voortrekker Monument attracted significant attention, with DA leaders, Afriforum, Solidarity, the Freedom Front Plus, and the Patriotic Alliance standing in solidarity against the Act. Protesters raised concerns that the BELA Act would strip school governing bodies of their decision-making power and undermine the role of parents in determining their children’s educational environment.
Willie Aucamp, DA national spokesperson, argued that parents should have the primary say in what happens in schools, rather than government officials. He stressed that “parents know what is best for their children” and should not be sidelined by provincial authorities. Meanwhile, Kriel warned that the Act could create a “government of national disunity” by targeting specific cultural communities.
The gathering saw moments of tension as some individuals displayed symbols associated with apartheid, including the old South African flag. The presence of controversial figures, such as Afrikaans artist Steve Hofmeyr, further fuelled the debate, with critics accusing the DA and Afriforum of aligning with divisive elements.
Balancing Language Rights and Inclusivity
One of the central issues in the BELA Act debate is the balance between preserving language rights and promoting inclusivity. The Act’s language policy clause aims to prevent language-based exclusion, which has historically contributed to educational inequality in South Africa. While the government argues that multilingualism is essential for an inclusive society, opponents worry that the policy may erode linguistic heritage.
Lesufi and other proponents contend that the Act does not eliminate mother-tongue education but rather ensures that schools serve all linguistic groups. He argued that the Act allows for multilingual instruction while respecting individual language preferences. “Imagine trying to learn maths or science in a language which is not your home language, or which you don’t understand,” Steenhuisen said, underscoring his opposition.
The Government’s Perspective: Ensuring Equal Education Access
The ANC and its allies view the BELA Act as part of a broader effort to transform South Africa’s education system. According to the government, the Act is essential for addressing historical inequalities and creating a fair environment where every child has access to quality education.
The ANC Gauteng Chairperson took to social media to address the protest, stating that the opposition was “not about education but those who hate us with a passion!” and reaffirmed the ANC’s commitment to implementing the BELA Act. The chairperson emphasised that the Act is about opening “the doors of learning and culture for all” and criticised what he perceived as attempts to “exclude our children.”
Opposition from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
While the DA and its allies protest the BELA Act, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have endorsed it as a progressive measure. The EFF released a statement in September supporting the BELA Act’s “progressive nature” and advocating for its swift implementation. The party praised the Act for standardising public education and addressing historical disparities, particularly by making education compulsory from Grade R to Grade 12.
The EFF also voiced its approval for the Act’s provisions granting school principals increased authority to monitor attendance, asserting that these measures would curb high dropout rates. Party officials noted that the Act’s language policies are aimed at combating exclusionary practices in schools, particularly those that have used language as a tool to limit enrolment for black students.
The Role of Afriforum and Freedom Front Plus
Afriforum and Freedom Front Plus have been vocal opponents of the BELA Act, arguing that it threatens Afrikaans-speaking communities and imposes limitations on the ability of schools to govern independently. Afriforum CEO Kallie Kriel warned that the Act “makes a mockery of the Government of National Unity” by disregarding the linguistic and cultural heritage of Afrikaans schools.
Kriel urged President Ramaphosa to consider the impact of the BELA Act on cultural communities, suggesting that the current form of the legislation could foster division rather than unity. He also called for the DA and Freedom Front Plus to reconsider their participation in the GNU if their concerns are not addressed.
Future of the BELA Act: Task Team to Address Concerns
In light of the intense debate, the Government of National Unity (GNU) has formed a task team to review the BELA Act and address concerns raised by various stakeholders. This team, comprising representatives from multiple parties, will work to find a balanced approach that respects cultural heritage while promoting equal access to education.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s office confirmed that the task team would focus on Clauses 4 and 5, with a mandate to report back within three months. Members of the team include prominent political figures from parties across the political spectrum, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives in the discussions.
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