Basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube has found herself in hot water after announcing plans to delay the implementation of certain clauses in the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act. Deputy President Paul Mashatile accused Gwarube of acting in bad faith by making this announcement without consulting the government of national unity (GNU).
Gwarube’s decision came after a dispute with trade union Solidarity over sections 4 and 5 of the Act, which deal with school admission and language policies. She claimed that a bilateral agreement had been reached with Solidarity to first adopt regulations clarifying the legal implications of these sections before full implementation.
Mashatile was quick to point out that he was not informed of this agreement and stressed that it bypassed the formal process currently underway in the GNU. He emphasized the importance of upholding the parliamentary process and involving all stakeholders in decision-making.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) had previously made negotiations on language provisions in the Bela Act a precondition for entering into a coalition with the ANC. Despite some resistance from ANC ministers, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Bill into law in September but agreed to suspend implementation for three months to allow for further discussions.
A sub-committee has now been set up in the clearing house to finalize talks on the Bela Act. Mashatile has assured party representatives that recommendations will be tabled soon, and all coalition members are expected to reach an agreement before the end of the year.
Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi, called for maturity and cooperation among all parties involved in the coalition. He warned against going public with inner discord and highlighted the need to manage internal dynamics within the ANC and DA to ensure the success of the GNU.
In a separate incident, the DA faced criticism for publicly releasing a letter urging Ramaphosa to consider the foreign policy views of coalition partners in South Africa’s planning for its G20 presidency. The presidency labeled this move as a publicity stunt, further highlighting the challenges of maintaining a cohesive coalition.
As tensions rise within the coalition, it is clear that effective communication, compromise, and mutual respect are essential for its long-term survival. All parties must work together to navigate the complex political landscape and ensure the successful implementation of key legislation.
