The resolution of the thorny issue of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA) is finally within reach. After months of intense deliberations and consultations, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to announce his decision on the future of the controversial bill. This announcement follows the conclusion of discussions within the Government of National Unity (GNU) Clearing House, led by its Deputy President, Paul Mashatile.
BELA has been the subject of heated debate due to its implications for school admissions and language policies. Passed by the democratic Parliament on 26 October 2023 and signed into law by Ramaphosa on 13 September this year, the implementation of the bill has been postponed for three months to allow for further consultations on its two controversial clauses.
These two clauses, namely clauses 4 and 5, seek to address historical inequities in South Africa’s education system, but have also attracted strong opposition from groups advocating for linguistic and cultural preservation. During the consultation period, stakeholders were invited to submit proposals to resolve disputes over these clauses.
The end of the three-month grace period on Friday 13 December marked the end of the discussions. Paul Mashatile confirmed that the report summarising the different positions has been submitted to President Ramaphosa, who is expected to announce the next steps in the very near future.
The Deputy President emphasised the importance of BELA in implementing the broader transformative agenda of the African National Congress (ANC). He stressed that this law, like the controversial National Health Insurance Act, was part of the ANC’s strategy to address structural inequalities and ensure equitable access to essential services.
Despite criticism and pressure from various groups, including the Solidarity trade union, the ANC and its left allies are calling on Ramaphosa to defend the progressive provisions of BELA. The aim is to ensure that these transformative policies are implemented, even if they are contested.
The context of the national unity government in which the ANC has been operating since the May 2029 general elections has been marked by tensions with coalition partners. The South African Communist Party (SACP) and the trade union federation Cosatu have regularly criticised the GNU strategy, arguing that it compromises the ANC’s socialist ideals.
Amid internal contestation and criticism, Paul Mashatile reaffirmed the ANC’s commitment to its social transformation goals. He urged alliance partners to remain united to achieve common goals, stressing the importance of collaboration for the effective implementation of progressive policies.
In conclusion, the imminent denouement of the BELA saga illustrates the challenges but also the opportunities facing the ANC in its quest for social transformation and justice in South Africa. Ramaphosa’s leadership will be crucial to successfully navigate this transition period and to sustainably anchor the reforms needed for a more equitable and inclusive society.