The Democratic Alliance (DA) has sounded the alarm, calling for an emergency meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa over his plans to sign the contentious Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law. DA leader John Steenhuisen has warned that Ramaphosa’s move would not only betray the spirit of their joint Statement of Intent but also undermine the very foundations of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
At the heart of the dispute sits the BELA Bill’s potential to erode the constitutional right to mother-tongue education. The DA had explicitly expressed its reservations during negotiations, urging Ramaphosa to send the Bill back to Parliament for crucial amendments. Yet, the President seems determined to push forward, disregarding the DA’s concerns and the GNU’s principles of cooperation.
Steenhuisen has vowed to confront Ramaphosa, submitting proposed amendments and imploring him to reconsider. DA leader cautions that Ramaphosa’s unilateral action would jeopardise the GNU’s future, destroying the trust and goodwill that underpin their partnership. The establishment of a dispute resolution mechanism has become paramount to prevent further breaches of the Statement of Intent.
Furthermore, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has joined the chorus, calling for the Bill’s return to Parliament. As tensions escalate, the stage is set for a showdown between the DA and Ramaphosa. Will the President heed the warnings, or will the GNU’s honeymoon come to an abrupt end?
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