Ramaphosa Signs South Africa’s Controversial Education Bill Into Law

BREAKING NEWSDecember 21, 2024 at 11:28 PM UTC

TLDR

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the full implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA)
BELA is a contentious piece of legislation that had threatened to destabilize the country’s new governing coalition
After resolving disputes within the government of national unity, coalition leaders endorsed the act’s immediate operation

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the full implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA), a contentious piece of legislation that had threatened to destabilize the country’s new governing coalition.

After resolving disputes within the government of national unity, coalition leaders endorsed the act’s immediate operation. Ramaphosa will issue a Presidential Proclamation to enact the bill, which he signed into law in September but partially delayed for further consultation.

Critics, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), a key coalition partner, have opposed provisions granting the education department authority over language policies and admission criteria in state schools, arguing these powers are excessive.

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Key Takeaways

The decision to fully implement the BELA Act signals unity within South Africa’s governing coalition despite initial opposition. The bill’s language policy provisions reflect ongoing tensions over educational cultural and linguistic rights. While the resolution bolsters Ramaphosa’s leadership within the coalition, the act’s rollout could reignite debates on the balance between centralized authority and local school governance. This development highlights the delicate task of governing amid political diversity and contentious policy reforms.

South Africa

Economy

Education Bill

Basic Education Laws Amendment Act

Cyril Ramaphosa