DA Leader John Steenhuisen Urges President Cyril Ramaphosa to Reconsider Signing the BELA Bill, Citing Risks to the Government of National Unity and Constitutional Integrity in South Africa

The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen, has raised serious concerns about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s potential decision to sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law.

Steenhuisen argues that such a move could jeopardize the future of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and erode the trust that this coalition was built on.

The Bill’s Controversy

Passed by the National Assembly on May 17, the BELA Bill sparked significant debate, with 223 Members of Parliament in favor and 78 opposed.

Ramaphosa is anticipated to sign the Bill on September 13, but its content remains highly contested.

What’s Inside the BELA Bill?

The BELA Bill includes 56 clauses covering a range of issues such as the introduction of grade R, learner attendance, codes of conduct for students, home education, school rationalization, and the abolition of corporal punishment and initiations.

It also addresses language policies, admission policies, and the criminalization of school disruptions.

Critics, including the civil society organization AfriForum and the DA, argue that the Bill attacks Afrikaans mother-tongue education.

One key amendment allows a Head of Department (HoD) to direct schools to use multiple languages of instruction where feasible, provided the necessary resources are supplied.

Former Minister’s Perspective

Former Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has defended the BELA Bill, asserting that it addresses long-standing issues in the education sector.

She argues that the Bill aims to streamline the powers of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) with directives from provincial HoDs, rather than diminishing their authority.

DA’s Stance and Future Actions

The DA has firmly opposed the Bill, claiming it centralizes power among unelected officials and undermines the role of parents, educators, and local governing bodies.

Steenhuisen insists that signing the Bill would violate the joint Statement of Intent that underpins the GNU.

The DA had previously indicated their dissatisfaction with the Bill due to its constitutional implications for mother-tongue education and other concerns.

Steenhuisen plans to meet with Ramaphosa before the signing date to reiterate their objections and advocate for amendments to align the Bill with the Constitution.

Criticisms of the Bill’s Provisions

Another major issue raised by the DA is the Bill’s requirement for all schools to purchase supplies like stationery and textbooks through a centralized tender system controlled by the Department.

They argue that this could lead to delays, subpar materials, and potential corruption, affecting the quality of education.

Steenhuisen and his party maintain that the ANC’s approach to the Bill could further harm public schools and contribute to mismanagement.

The DA remains adamant in their push for revisions and continues to challenge the Bill’s passage.