Lesufi says little will change in engagements about BELA legislation

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says that even with a three-month grace given to concerned parties to engage on two clauses of the Basic Education Laws Amendment legislation (BELA) legislation little will change. Lesufi welcomed the signing of the BELA bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria today, saying that despite the protestations of some political parties, the legislation is now an official reality.

“There is nothing new that will be presented on the table as eight of nine provinces approved this bill. This bill went through public participation; this bill went through parliament; this bill allowed members of parliament to vote and they voted, but if there are some people who want to express a view. We thank the President for giving them the opportunity. But the bill is signed. The bill is law. It is no longer a bill. It is an act of Parliament that must be adhered to,” says Lesufi.

BELA Bill signed into law:

Meanwhile, the DA says it will continue with its legal action to challenge the Basic Education Laws Amendment legislation irrespective of the three months of engagement announced by President Ramphosa.

While signing the bill into law today Ramaphosa said an opportunity would be given to those who have concerns regarding clause 4 and 5 of BELA, to engage with government and come up with acceptable alternatives.

The clauses relate to the rights and responsibilities of School Governing Bodies including language policy and admissions.

All other clauses of the legislation come into effect immediately.

DA National Spokesperson Willie Aucamp says the issue is not being handled in good faith.

“The fact that President Ramaphosa said that should we not be able to get consensus after this three-month period, the Bill will be implement is not in good faith and does not reflect what he said in the statement of intent which was signed by all parties of the GNU. When it was formed, that statement makes provision for sufficient consensus that must be reached between all parties. If the President is going to sign this unilaterally again after three months, it means he has a disregard for sufficient consensus that they have agreed to,” says Aucamp.

BELA Bill I DA, ACDP raise concern over the signing of Bill on Friday: Willie Aucamp