Education Minister Protests Basic Education Laws Bill as Ramaphosa Prepares to Sign It into Law

• Sep 13, 2024

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to sign the highly debated Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill into law today, but one key figure will not be present at the Union Buildings—Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube. The minister, responsible for overseeing the implementation of some of the changes in the Bill, has opted to skip the signing ceremony in protest, voicing concerns about the content and potential impact of the Bill.

Gwarube has openly expressed her dissatisfaction, requesting President Ramaphosa to return the Bill to Parliament for revisions. She believes the current version is lacking in certain areas, particularly around policies concerning admissions, language, and the decision to make grade R the mandatory starting point for schooling.

"Parliament must be allowed to fix what is currently wrong with the Bill so that millions of learners across the country can access and receive quality education for a better South Africa," Gwarube said, just hours before the planned signing. Her protest underscores the deep divisions within the government regarding the proposed education reforms.

One of the minister's primary concerns is the Bill's approach to school admissions and language policies. These issues have been sources of tension for years, especially in a country as diverse as South Africa, where language and access are crucial to ensuring equity in education. Gwarube’s opposition also stems from the Bill's mandate to lower the compulsory school-starting age to grade R, a move she feels needs more thought and discussion before being implemented.

Her absence from the signing ceremony highlights a larger rift between different government factions. Partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have expressed dissatisfaction with President Ramaphosa's intent to move forward with the Bill in its current form. They argue that pushing the Bill through without addressing key concerns could lead to unintended consequences for the education system.

While President Ramaphosa remains committed to signing the Bill, Gwarube's protest could influence future discussions and amendments. With education being such a critical issue in South Africa, many stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the final law is implemented and whether it truly addresses the needs of learners across the country.