President Ramaphosa promulgates full implementation of the BELA Act! President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially promulgated the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act as of Friday, marking a significant milestone in South Africa’s education reform.
In a statement released to the public, the President confirmed that he had instructed the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, to oversee the full implementation of this contentious but transformative piece of legislation.
BELA Act Signed Into Law
The BELA Act, which was signed into law earlier this year, has been at the center of debates and discussions across various sectors. While it aims to address critical gaps in the education system, some sections of the act faced delays in implementation due to their contentious nature.
To ensure fairness and consensus, President Ramaphosa postponed the enforcement of sections four and five of the act, granting stakeholders a three-month window to find common ground.
A Decision Anchored in Equality
The three-month negotiation period expired on December 13, 2024, prompting the President to move forward with full implementation. Ramaphosa explained that the decision to proceed was based on the recommendations of the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) clearing house, which supported the act in its entirety.
Highlighting the foundational principles of the South African Constitution, Ramaphosa emphasized that the BELA Act aligns with the Bill of Rights, particularly Chapter 2, which guarantees equality for all.
“The act will apply to all children, regardless of their language or background,” the President stated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusivity and non-discrimination in education.
Addressing Controversy Around Sections Four and Five
Sections four and five of the BELA Act generated significant debate, as they touch on sensitive aspects of language policy and school governance. These provisions aim to ensure that no child is excluded from receiving quality education due to linguistic or administrative barriers.
Opposition to these sections primarily came from groups concerned about the potential loss of autonomy for governing bodies in determining school policies, particularly language policies.
Despite these challenges, Ramaphosa reaffirmed the importance of these sections in creating a fair and equitable education system. “All bodies and structures responsible for implementing the act must abide by the Constitution at all times,” he said.
A Landmark in Education Reform
The BELA Act is poised to bring about significant changes to South Africa’s basic education landscape. It introduces measures to:
- Promote linguistic inclusivity by ensuring all children can access education in a language they understand.
- Strengthen the governance and accountability of schools.
- Address disparities that have historically disadvantaged learners from marginalized communities.
By addressing these critical issues, the act seeks to create a more equitable and effective education system for future generations.
Implementation Responsibilities
President Ramaphosa has entrusted Minister Siviwe Gwarube with the task of ensuring the smooth and effective rollout of the BELA Act. This includes working closely with provincial education departments, school governing bodies, and other stakeholders to align policies and practices with the new legislative framework.
Ramaphosa also called on educators, parents, and communities to support the act, emphasizing that collective effort is essential for its success.
Constitutional Compliance
In his statement, the President reminded all implementing bodies and stakeholders of their constitutional obligation to uphold the principles of equality and fairness. He warned against any attempts to undermine the act’s provisions, stating that such actions would contradict the very essence of South Africa’s democratic values.
Moving Forward
The BELA Act’s promulgation marks a critical step in addressing long-standing inequities within the education system. While its implementation may face challenges, the government’s commitment to creating an inclusive, high-quality education system remains unwavering.
As the act takes effect, it is expected to have a profound impact on learners, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By ensuring access to education for all, regardless of language or socio-economic status, the BELA Act embodies the spirit of South Africa’s Constitution and its commitment to social justice.
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