According to DA leader John Steenhuisen, by signing the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to breach both the letter and the spirit of the joint statement of intent underpinning the government of national unity, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: GOOD Party secures provincial debate on looming teacher job cuts
This potential conflict could become a significant challenge for the newly formed unity government, which has only been in place for four months.
The Presidency announced on Wednesday that Ramaphosa is scheduled to sign the BELA Bill into law at the Union Buildings on Friday.
Steenhuisen, a prominent member of the unity government, pointed out that the DA had clearly stated its opposition to the bill during negotiations.
Steenhuisen urgently seeks a meeting with Ramaphosa to reiterate the DA’s concerns about the bill.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city, at half the price? Get exclusive offers here.
‘Because it has constitutional implications for the right to mother-tongue education, amongst other issues. The DA urged President Ramaphosa to send the Bill back to Parliament for a few simple amendments to bring it in line with the Constitution,’ he said.
The BELA Bill, which was passed by 223 votes to 78 in the National Assembly on 17 May, is now awaiting Ramaphosa’s signature. It introduces several controversial changes, including making Grade R the new mandatory starting age for school, criminalising parents who fail to ensure their children attend school, and requiring a site visit for home-schooling applications.
It also grants schools the authority to suspend students accused of serious misconduct immediately, without giving them a chance to contest the suspension.
Steenhuisen criticised Ramaphosa for potentially acting unilaterally, contrary to the principles of the unity government.
‘I have moved urgently to meet the President before Friday to reiterate our objections in the strongest terms. I will also submit to him the simple amendments the DA requires, and urge him to use his powers to send the Bill back to Parliament,’ he said.
He warned that if the president ignores these objections, he risks jeopardising the future of the government of national unity and undermining the trust it was built on. Steenhuisen stressed the need for a dispute resolution mechanism to ensure that all parties adhere to the joint statement of intent.
‘The DA regards this issue in the most serious light, and I will convey to the president the destructive implications it holds for the future of the GNU,’ he concluded.
Find your perfect set of wheels with these incredible deals on cars for under 100k. Find car listings here.
Also read:
SAPS makes several arrests in corruption allegations tied to the City
Picture: ER Lombard / Gallo Images