By Doreen Mokgolo
- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi wants the SACP to help pressure President Ramaphosa to sign the new education law before the deadline.
- The new law would give the government more control over school placements and language policies, taking power from school governing bodies.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has requested assistance from the South African Communist Party (SACP) to pressure President Cyril Ramaphosa into signing the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.
The bill must be signed by 13 February. Two key sections of the bill would change how schools operate. Sections 4 and 5 would give provincial education heads the power to place learners in public schools and determine school language policies, removing this authority from School Governing Bodies (SGBs).
Lesufi’s appeal comes as the SACP holds a four-day special conference about its alliance with the ANC.
The SACP praised Lesufi for standing up to the Democratic Alliance (DA) when the party sought key positions in Gauteng’s Government of Provincial Unity. This occurred even though national ANC leaders had agreed to collaborate with the DA against the SACP’s wishes.
Speaking at the conference on Thursday, Lesufi said that failing to pass the BELA Bill would also hinder progress on the National Health Insurance (NHI).
“This is the period we need to stand firm for the sake of our children. Betrayal is not an option. Cowards must step aside, and the brave will go forward.
“Periods like this want us to join forces, want strong force and agile alliances. We are not cowards,” he said.
Pictured above: Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi.
Source: Doreen Mokgolo
