Cape Town – Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says the implementation of the BELA Act is underway, excluding two language-related clauses still under consultation with the Government of National Unity.
The minister spoke at a media briefing in Parliament on Wednesday, where she also provided an update on the progress of matric exams.
“As a department, we’ve already started the process of implementing the BELA Act because it has been signed into law. In fact, we’ve started to engage provinces and to essentially roll out workshops that the department has started to roll out,” Gwarube said.
[WATCH] Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says her department has started with the implementation of the BELA Act despite the DA’s contestation of clauses 4 and 5 in it. Gwarube, who was not present when the Bill was signed into law, says she will await the presidential… pic.twitter.com/k7wf3bUgFu
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 6, 2024
Over 10,000 people, including members of AfriForum, the DA, and FF+, marched against the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill on Tuesday, citing concerns over its impact on Afrikaans education.
The DA, FF Plus and other organisations are protesting against the implementation of the BELA Act. FF Plus MP Wouter Wessels says if passed, the legislation would create problems. @JuniourKhumalo_ has more.
Watch: https://t.co/SEMYuuXNjC#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/lS5rvGnCis
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 5, 2024
The education bill, signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September, introduces changes to the system, such as making Grade R mandatory and updating language and admission policies. However, clauses on language and admission policy were delayed for further discussion.
Gwarube’s previous opposition to the bill and her absence from the signing have raised questions about her commitment to implementing it.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
