No delays in execution of Bela Act, says education minister

BASIC Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube yesterday reiterated that there was no delay in the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act and the drafting of its regulations.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

Responding to questions in the Basic Education Portfolio Committee, Gwarube said she had on numerous occasions informed the committee and Parliament that the Bela Act was already enacted into law.

"The last time, in Parliament, I indicated that when the Act is signed into law, it comes into effect. There is no delay," she said.

This was after EFF MP Mandla Shikwambana said South Africans were confused about what was happening with regards with Bela Act and regulations.

"You are deliberately playing a political game and using delay tactics. No matter how smart you are to give us answers, the fact of the matter is that there is a serious deliberate delay in dealing with the regulations," Shikwambana said.