Kim Ludbrook / AFP
The Democratic Alliance said should President Cyril Ramaphosa sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill into law, it could “endanger” the future of the Government of National Unity.
He said on Wednesday that they have learnt that President Ramaphosa intends to sign the BELA Bill into law on Friday, 13 September.
“If he proceeds, despite the DA’s strong objections, he will violate both the letter and spirit of the joint Statement of Intent, that forms the basis of the Government of National Unity,” he said.
Steenhuisen said that during the negotiations on the GNU, they made it clear that the Bill, in its current form, was unacceptable, because it has constitutional implications for the right to mother-tongue education, amongst other issues.
He said the DA had urged the President to send the Bill back to Parliament for a “few simple amendments” to bring it in line with the Constitution.
“Despite this, and in violation of the provisions of the Statement of Intent, the President seems intent on pushing ahead unilaterally.
“I have moved urgently to meet the President before Friday to re-iterate our objections in the strongest terms.
“If the President continues to ride rough-shod over these objections, he is endangering the future of the Government of National Unity, and destroying the good faith on which it was based,” Steenhuisen said.
Meanwhile, ActionSA said it will consider legal action if the BELA Bill becomes law.
"ActionSA is disappointed but unsurprised that despite intensive efforts by civil society, teachers, and political parties, the flawed BELA Bill will be signed into law.
"If, indeed, the DA was in an equal partnership in the Grand Coalition, this proposed signing of the BELA Bill ought to have been halted," said Chief Whip in Parliament, Lerato Ngobeni.
She said it seems that President Ramaphosa is determined to "run roughshod" over the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube of the DA, who is opposed to the Bill.
"Just this morning John Steenhuisen threatened to walk away from this marriage of convenience if the Bill is signed. The time has come to put their money where their mouth is and protect the interests of millions of children and teachers. Failing to do so will indeed confirm that they are prepared to forgo safeguarding what little integrity remains in our education system in service of retaining German SUVs and ministerial perks," Ngobeni added.
She said ActionSA will consider its options to repudiate the signing of this Bill.
The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) said it was willing to make the Bill work, but cautioned that it would not tolerate any abuse of power.
"I can say with authority that FEDSAS has a thorough understanding of this legislation. The organisation has been involved with the processes since before the first publication.
We participated in all 26 of the portfolio committee's public participation sessions and in 37 of the provincial sessions.
FEDSAS made presentations in Parliament and participated in several meetings," said CEO, Dr Jaco Deacon.
He said once signed into law, 'BELAB' will be a reality.
"The role of competent and properly trained SGBs is more important than ever. FEDSAS has a comprehensive training portfolio which is already 'BELAB ready', as is our legal team.
"Our core business remains our commitment to our members and ultimately to the support of quality education for all the children of South Africa," he added.
