On December 20, 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the full implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, marking the end of three months of intense deliberations. The Act, designed to modernise and equalise South Africa’s education system, has garnered both praise and fierce opposition. The implementation now paves the way for transformative changes, but not without challenges.
Supporters Celebrate Inclusivity
Proponents of the Act, including SADTU and the ANC Youth League, view this as a step toward dismantling historical inequalities in education. SADTU’s Dr Mugwena Maluleke stated, “This is a victory for equitable access to education. No child should face barriers to learning due to their background.” The ANC Youth League echoed this sentiment, emphasising the Act’s alignment with their long-standing education policies.
Critics Fear Loss of Autonomy
Opposition voices, such as AfriForum and the DA, have raised concerns over the clauses shifting control over language and admissions policies from School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to provincial departments, labelling them as an attack on parental and community involvement in schools. AfriForum has vowed to challenge the Act in court, citing threats to Afrikaans-medium education.
What Changes Does the Act Bring?
Key provisions of the BELA Act include:
- Language Policy (Clause 5): Schools must submit their language policies for approval by provincial heads, sparking fears of undermining mother-tongue education.
- Admissions Policy (Clause 4): Provincial departments now hold authority over school admissions, aimed at breaking down discriminatory practices.
- Grade R Compulsory: This step aims to level the playing field for early childhood education.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has been tasked with drafting regulations and ensuring system readiness for the Act’s implementation. However, concerns about funding and infrastructure loom large. The R16 billion required for universal Grade R access remains an “unfunded mandate”, according to the National Treasury.
Political Fallout for the GNU
The implementation of the BELA Act has tested the Government of National Unity (GNU). While the DA has reluctantly supported the Act under the stewardship of Minister Gwarube, the party remains wary. Political analysts have warned that continued friction could destabilise the coalition.
What’s Next?
Minister Gwarube is expected to announce timelines and frameworks for implementation early next year. The DA’s Hellen Zille believes Gwarube’s mandate means the DA will be able to shape the context and framework of decisions to be taken on the legislation, marking it a win for the party, reports EWN. Schools and provincial departments must now prepare for compliance with the new regulations, while civil society watches closely. Any court challenges from opposition groups could delay progress further.
Balancing Transformation and Tradition
The BELA Act underscores South Africa’s struggle to balance inclusivity with linguistic and cultural preservation. While its full implementation marks a significant milestone in education reform, the journey ahead will require collaboration, compromise, and resources to ensure its success.
DO YOU THINK THE BELA ACT WILL ERODE MOTHER-TONGUE LEARNING?
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