President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to make a final announcement on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act soon. The BELA Act has been a topic of discussion in South African politics since its passing by Parliament on October 26, 2023, and its assent by the President on September 13, 2024.
The BELA Act aims to amend sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 and the Employment of Educators Act, of 1998. The Act seeks to address challenges in the education sector, including the determination of school language and admission policies by School Governing Bodies (SGBs).
However, the Act has faced opposition from some politicians, including those from the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+). They argued that the Act would erode the autonomy of SGBs and impose unfair language policies on schools.
Despite the opposition, the Act was passed by Parliament and assented to by the President. However, Ramaphosa delayed the implementation of sections 4 and 5 of the Act, which deal with admission and language policies, by three months to allow for multiparty discussions and submissions of proposals.
The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has also signed a settlement agreement with the Solidarity Union on the implementation of the BELA Act. However, the Presidency has noted that this agreement has no bearing on the inclusive multiparty discussions that are underway on sections 4 and 5 of the Act.
Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his commitment to the undertaking he made when he signed the Bill on September 13, 2024, to give the parties three months to submit proposals on sections 4 and 5. The President awaits the outcome of those deliberations.
The BELA Act has been hailed as a significant step towards transforming the education sector in South Africa. The Act introduces several key reforms, including the compulsory attendance of Grade R, the regulation of homeschooling, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in schools.
As Ramaphosa prepares to make a final announcement on the BELA Act, the country waits with bated breath. The Act has the potential to bring about significant changes in the education sector, and its implementation will be closely watched by all stakeholders.
In the next few days, Ramaphosa is expected to announce the commencement date of the BELA Act, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of the education sector in South Africa.
(editor’s updates)
Bafana Phalane: Editor and Founder
