The law that is creating division in the GNU and time is running out

South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) is embroiled in a fierce debate over the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act. The African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), the two largest parties, are clashing over clauses set to reshape language and admission policies in schools.

The BELA Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 13 September 2024, introduces significant changes, such as criminalizing parents who fail to send children to school. However, clauses 4 and 5, which give the government more control over admissions and language policies, are deeply divisive.

Critics, including Solidarity, AfriForum, and the DA, argue these clauses centralize authority and undermine school autonomy, particularly affecting Afrikaans-speaking schools. Proponents say the changes promote inclusivity.

To ease tensions, Ramaphosa delayed implementing these clauses for three months to allow more consultations, but the deadline looms on 13 December, with no consensus in sight.

Agreement or Disagreement?

On 28 November 2024, DA Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube announced a deal with Solidarity and the Presidency to propose delaying the clauses further. The agreement called for setting norms for admissions and language policies while opening discussions on mother tongue education.

However, Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile swiftly dismissed the agreement, stating it held no legal weight and accusing Gwarube of undermining the coalition.

Mashatile criticized the DA for clinging to “apartheid-era standards,” while DA leader John Steenhuisen defended Gwarube, warning that firing DA ministers could collapse the GNU.

Ramaphosa’s Dilemma

Ramaphosa faces pressure from all sides. The ANC’s left-leaning allies, including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, are urging him to uphold the BELA Act as is. Lesufi, a potential future ANC presidential candidate, declared, “Our children can’t be rejected in schools – never!” He dismissed calls to water down the Act, framing it as a step toward justice.

As the clock ticks down, the GNU is in turmoil, with unresolved tensions threatening the coalition’s unity and South Africa’s education policies hanging in the balance.