KEY POINTS
- President Ramaphosa enacted the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, granting the education department control over school language policies and admissions.
- The act faced opposition from coalition partner the Democratic Alliance, citing risks to school autonomy and linguistic diversity.
- Supporters argue the law promotes equity and access for marginalized communities, despite criticisms of centralizing power in the education department.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Friday the full implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, a contentious piece of legislation that has stirred political debate within the country’s government of national unity.
According to Bloomberg’s update, the decision to proceed follows consultations among the leaders of the governing coalition, who reached a consensus on its necessity,” Ramaphosa said in a statement. “This view was endorsed by the leaders of the parties to the GNU in a meeting I held with them today,” he added. The president signed a Presidential Proclamation to bring the act into immediate effect, cementing its position as law.
Controversy over key provisions
Initially signed into law in September, the BELA Act had its implementation delayed as the government sought to address concerns from coalition partners and stakeholders. The Democratic Alliance (DA), a prominent coalition member, opposed the bill’s provisions, which grant the Department of Basic Education increased authority over language policy and admission criteria for public schools.
Critics argue that these powers could undermine the autonomy of individual schools and exacerbate tensions in a multilingual society. Proponents, however, contend that the measures are essential to promoting equitable access to education, particularly for historically disadvantaged communities.
Resolution within the coalition
The ruling coalition, which includes diverse political parties with varying policy priorities, faced significant internal strain over the bill. Ramaphosa emphasized that the decision to move forward reflects a collective agreement aimed at preserving the stability and functionality of the government of national unity.
“The Basic Education Laws Amendment Act is a critical step towards addressing systemic inequities in our education system,” Ramaphosa said. “The leaders of the GNU recognize the importance of implementing this legislation for the benefit of all South Africans.”
Broader implications
The BELA Act introduces sweeping changes to South Africa’s education landscape, including centralized decision-making on school language policies and admissions, mandatory attendance tracking, and updated governance frameworks for school boards.
Supporters argue that these changes will foster inclusivity and enhance oversight, ensuring that public schools serve the broader needs of society. Detractors, however, warn that the concentration of power in the education department could marginalize certain language groups and lead to inefficiencies.
With the law now fully operational, the focus shifts to its implementation and the likely legal challenges from opposition groups and civil society organizations. Ramaphosa called for unity in addressing the country’s education challenges, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the government and all stakeholders.
The BELA Act is set to reshape South Africa’s education system, with its impact likely to be felt for years to come.
