The Democratic Alliance is urging President Ramaphosa to stop the BELA Bill and is warning of a threat to the Government of National Unity.

President Ramaphosa is set to sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill into law on Friday, 13 September, despite strong objections from the DA. The DA believes that the current form of the BELA Bill has constitutional implications for the right to mother-tongue education and other concerns, which go against the spirit of the joint Statement of Intent underlying the Government of National Unity.

The Basic Education Laws Amendment 2022 (BELA) Bill seeks to bring about various changes to the South African Schools Act (SASA), with a particular emphasis on reforming administrative and management procedures at the school level. Among the notable provisions of the bill are the mandatory introduction of Grade R, revisions to admission and language policies, measures to address school disruptions, oversight of homeschooling, and the enhancement of governance accountability.

The DA has urged President Ramaphosa to send the Bill back to Parliament for simple amendments to align it with the Constitution. Despite these objections, the President appears determined to proceed unilaterally, prompting the DA to request an urgent meeting with the President to reiterate their concerns before Friday. The DA also plans to submit the amendments required and urges the President to use his powers to return the Bill to Parliament.

Failure to address these objections could potentially jeopardize the future of the Government of National Unity and the good faith in which it was established. As a result, establishing a dispute resolution mechanism is now a priority to ensure that all parties uphold the letter and spirit of the Statement of Intent. The DA believes that the ANC can no longer take unilateral action on issues that affect fundamental rights without considering all parties involved.

The DA views this issue as very serious and will communicate to the President the destructive implications it holds for the future of the GNU.

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Lebone

I hold a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies from Damelin, where I gained a solid foundation in various aspects of media communication and reporting. My experience includes writing travel articles for “What’s On In Mzansi,” where I had the opportunity to explore and share insights about South Africa’s diverse attractions and cultures. In addition to my writing, I have also worked as a radio host, where I developed my skills in engaging audiences and delivering compelling content. This combination of education and practical experience has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the media landscape and storytelling techniques.

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