BREAKING: Ramaphosa gives go ahead for Bela Act to be fully implemented
Despite much opposition Ramaphosa says the Bela Act is vital to the transformation of the education system in South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation for the full implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act into operation from Friday, 20 December.
Ramaphosa signed the Bela Bill into law on 13 September, said government would not implement clauses 4 and 5 for three months pending consultation with organisations and political parties that oppose the clauses, including lobby group AfriForum and the DA.
BELA ACT TO BE FULLY IMPLEMENTED
On Friday, Ramaphosa said he has instructed the Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube to see to the full implementation of the BELA Act.
Ramaphosa said he has also instructed Gwarube to do what is necessary, as is customary with any law, to ensure that the timeframe of implementation – particularly with regard to the preparedness of the system for universal Grade R access – and the consequential regulations setting out the norms and standards are prepared.
“All bodies and all officials responsible for the implementation of this Act are required at all times to act in accordance with the Constitution, the law and the relevant policies and regulations.
“We must therefore do everything in our means to ensure that every child, without exception, has equal access to a decent, quality education. We must therefore leave no child behind,” Ramaphosa said.
CONSULTATION PROCESS
Ramaphosa said over the last three months, discussions have been held with a view of reaching consensus on these outstanding clauses of the Bela Act.
The President said various formations outside of government have also made representations, both for and against the relevant sections.
“Last week, I received a report from the Government of National Unity ‘clearing house’ mechanism. This is the structure which brings together the parties to the Government of National Unity and other parties represented in Parliament to deal with contentious issues and thereafter report to the leaders of the political parties represented in the Government of National Unity.
“In their final report, the parties agreed that the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act should not be sent back to Parliament to make changes to the sections that were in contention. The GNU clearing house participants agreed that the Act be fully implemented. This view was endorsed by the leaders of the parties to the GNU in a meeting I held with them today,” he said.
WILL THE DA CHALLENGE THE IMPELEMENTATION OF THE ACT?
Earlier this month the DA said should Clause 4 and 5 be enacted as they are, they will challenge the matter in court.
DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau told Newzroom Afrika that the constitutionality of the decision must be tested in a court of law.
“As a constitutionalist party pro the rule of law, we will do everything in our power, even outside the GNU, to protect South Africans, including if we must use the third traditional arm of the state to test this. We’re not going to roll over and let it die,” Khakhau affirmed.
DO YOU SUPPORT THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BELA ACT?
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