The Democratic Alliance (DA) is standing firm and not withdrawing from the Government of National Unity (GNU), despite their strong opposition to the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.
This bill is slated to be signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday, September 13th.
DA leader John Steenhuisen has raised concerns, suggesting that signing the bill could jeopardize the future of the GNU and undermine the trust that underpins it.
DA’s Continued Opposition to the BELA Bill
On Wednesday, Steenhuisen criticized the potential signing of the BELA Bill, arguing that it would breach the spirit and letter of the GNU’s foundational Statement of Intent.
He pointed out that during negotiations, the DA made it clear that the bill, in its current form, was unacceptable due to its constitutional implications, particularly regarding the right to mother-tongue education.
Steenhuisen urged President Ramaphosa to return the bill to Parliament for amendments to align it with the Constitution.
Legal Action Ahead
In a recent statement, DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp reiterated their opposition to the BELA Bill and confirmed that the party plans to challenge the bill in court if it is signed into law.
Aucamp emphasized that while the DA sees the BELA Bill and the National Health Insurance (NHI) as problematic, the real threat to the GNU comes from Ramaphosa’s actions.
“The president was aware of our position and those of other parties.
His decision to proceed regardless reflects a disregard for our concerns.
The ANC, not the BELA Bill or NHI, is endangering the GNU.
We must safeguard the GNU, and if necessary, we will pursue the matter through the Constitutional Court,” Aucamp said.
Support for the BELA Bill
On the other hand, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has voiced strong support for President Ramaphosa and the BELA Bill.
He argued that the bill addresses the issue of language barriers in schools, advocating for a flexible approach to school language policies based on community demographics.
Former University of Cape Town Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng also backed the bill.
She expressed disappointment that, despite 30 years of democracy, current systems still perpetuate exclusionary practices reminiscent of apartheid.
Phakeng emphasized that the bill represents a step toward addressing these outdated structures.
So, as the bill moves closer to becoming law, the DA is preparing for a legal battle, while supporters of the BELA Bill are rallying behind it.
The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the future of the GNU and education policies in South Africa.
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