President Ramaphosa faces pressure as Sadtu demands swift implementation of Bela Act

President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing growing pressure from the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) regarding the implementation of two sections of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act. The deadline for public submissions on these sections is set for Friday, and Sadtu is pushing for sections 4 and 5 to be enacted by December 13.

The union criticized Ramaphosa for delaying the implementation, accusing him of prioritizing political motives and listening to objections from Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and her party, the Democratic Alliance (DA). Sadtu’s general secretary, Mugwena Maluleke, stated that the act has been passed following extensive consultations over a decade and has not faced any constitutional challenges.

Sections 4 and 5 of the Bela Act would transfer the responsibility of admitting students into public schools and determining language policies from school governing bodies (SGBs) to provincial education departments. Sadtu argues that these changes are necessary to ensure equitable access to quality education and to address past imbalances.

The union also dismissed agreements signed between Gwarube and groups like Solidariteit and AfriForum, labeling them as attempts by "white supremacists" to perpetuate racism in schools. Maluleke emphasized that all schools must comply with South Africa's laws and constitution, ensuring that no barriers—such as language policies—prevent children from accessing education.

Ramaphosa’s office confirmed receiving Sadtu’s letter and stated that a response would follow. Meanwhile, Solidariteit claimed to have reached an agreement with the government to delay implementing the contested sections, asserting that the president is bound by this agreement.

In support of the Bela Act, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi urged decisive action, calling Friday a potential “liberation day” for South African youth. Lesufi expressed determination to end any practices denying children access to nearby schools due to language requirements, especially Afrikaans.

The DA, however, has warned against enacting the sections without constitutional review. DA leader John Steenhuisen suggested such a move could harm the Government of National Unity, while spokesperson Karabo Khakhau emphasized the need to test the constitutionality of these changes in court.