Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen says firing Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube over the implementation of the Basic Education Amendment Laws (BELA) Act.
The sentiment comes as there is reportedly misinformation around the consultation process on Clause 4 and 5 of the Actwhich has been taking place since President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the BELA Bill into law in September.
During the signing ceremony, Ramaphosa said government would not implement clause 4 and 5 for three months pending consultation with organisations and political parties who are opposed to the clauses which includes lobby group AfriForum the DA among others.
WHY WOULD RAMAPHOSA FIRE SIVIWE GWARUBE?
On 28 November, Gwarube announced that she had signed an agreement with Solidarity on the exercise of her powers and responsibilities on the implementation of the BELA Act.
In response, the Presidency said the agreement between Gwarube and Solidarity has no bearing – in law or practical effect – on the inclusive multiparty discussions that are underway on sections 4 and 5 of the Act.
“Furthermore, the agreement bears no influence on the President’s powers to ultimately take a decision regarding the commencement of the Act,” Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.
DA FULLY SUPPORTS BASIC EDUCATION MINISTER
DA leader John Steenhuisen said during the three months of consultation, Gwarube met with members from Solidarity, and the Presidency, at National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) after a dispute was lodged by the union.
Steenhuisen said this process is entirely separate from the consultation process, and conflating the two is misleading, and factually incorrect.
“This was a mandatory process, in terms of the law, to prevent strike action arising out of the dispute. The outcome of this engagement was a settlement, signed by the Minister of Basic Education , the Presidency, and the Union. The fact that the Presidency has now distanced itself from this legislated process, which they were party to, is as disgraceful, as it is confusing.
“As leader of the DA I would like to make this point loud and clear. We support the process followed by the minister, as she was fulfilling her legally obligated responsibilities, and respect the outcome of the negotiations at Nedlac,” Steenhuisen said.
