WATCH | Lesufi urges ANC to implement Bela Act without delay, warns of threat to NHI success

Lesufi

Cape Town – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has called on ANC leadership to implement the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act without changes, despite opposition from coalition partners.

Speaking at the SACP congress in Boksburg on Thursday, Lesufi said that failure to implement the act would jeopardize the success of the National Health Insurance (NHI).

The act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September, includes contentious clauses regarding school admission and language policies, which have led to disagreements.

“We are urging our president to do one thing and one thing only: to allow the implementation of the Bela Act without any further delay.

“We urge this conference to add its voice, to be on the side of our children and bring an end to discrimination against our children.

“Never again will our children decide whether they enter school premises or not based on the colour of their skin or the language they speak,” Lesufi said.

He  urged unity within the ANC alliance to ensure the act’s success, warning that any delay would empower opponents.

Some parties argue the act threatens the survival of Afrikaans in schools, but SACP chairperson Blade Nzimande dismissed this, accusing critics of using language to protect privileged white schools.

Ramaphosa is expected to decide on the implementation date after Friday.

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