GNU fissures over Bela Act

EDUCATION MINISTER ACCUSED OF SIDESTEPPING DUE PROCESSES WITH 'NEGOTIATIONS'

- Enkosi Selane

It appears that the government of national unity (GNU) continues to be divided over the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act ahead of a deadline for two controversial clauses in the new education law.

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Bela Act into law in September, but he suspended the implementation of clauses 4 and 5 for a three-month period, pending consultation with civil society organisations and political parties opposing the two clauses.

Clause 4 of the Act gives the department of basic education more authority over school admission policies, while clause 5 requires school governing bodies (SGBs) to submit the school's language policy to the provincial head of department for approval.

However, civil society organisations Solidarity and AfriForum recently said they had reached a settlement with the government to delay the implementation of the clauses.

The deadline set by Ramaphosa was expected to be Friday next week.

However, a statement by Solidarity claimed the dispute over the Act was resolved during negotiations at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac), which included Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and the Presidency.