Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged a settlement between Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and the Solidarity Union on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act but emphasised that it does not affect his authority to decide the Act’s commencement.
On November 28, 2024, Gwarube signed the agreement, which pertains to her role in implementing the BELA Act.
However, the President’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, clarified that this agreement holds no legal or practical influence over the ongoing multi-party discussions about Sections 4 and 5 of the Act or the President’s constitutional authority to determine its start date.
“The agreement between the Minister and Solidarity has no bearing in law or practical effect on the inclusive multi-party discussions that are underway regarding Sections 4 and 5 of the Act.
President @CyrilRamaphosa has noted the settlement agreement between the Minister of Basic Education and the Solidarity union on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA). https://t.co/qkNOmaU6Fk
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 1, 2024
Furthermore, the agreement bears no influence on the President’s powers to ultimately take a decision regarding the commencement of the Act,” he said.
He added: “It must be noted that the BELA Act was duly passed by Parliament and assented to by the President. It is now law. The Minister of Basic Education is enjoined to work towards its implementation, sections 4 and 5 aside. ”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
