South Africa President Ramaphosa Signs BELA Bill Into Law, Sparks Concerns Amid Political Tensions

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law amid rising concerns from opposition parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA). The DA warned that the bill, which introduces several changes to South Africa’s education system, could strain existing political coalitions. Key provisions of the bill include making Grade R compulsory, imposing penalties on parents who do not ensure school attendance, regulating homeschooling, and reinforcing the ban on corporal punishment in schools.

The DA argues that the BELA Bill poses significant risks to local governance structures. Some critics claim that the amendments will centralize power and undermine the autonomy of schools, leading to tensions in coalitions that manage education at the provincial level. “This bill threatens to upset the balance of power and infringe upon provincial authority in education matters,” the DA said in a statement. John Steenhuisen, the leader of the DA, stated there was a plan in place to challenge the new law in court.

Despite these concerns, Ramaphosa emphasized that the bill aims to improve governance in the education sector, bringing the law in line with recent legal judgments and constitutional rights. The president stated that the changes are necessary to modernize education laws that were initially enacted in the late 1990s.

In addition to political challenges, the bill has sparked public debate about the role of government in education. While some parents welcome the push for accountability in ensuring children attend school, others feel the penalties may disproportionately affect underprivileged families. The bill’s provisions on corporal punishment also reignite discussions on how to best manage discipline in schools.

Some proponents of the law take issue with the government’s oversight of language and admission policies. Afrikaans is not mentioned in the language of the legislation.

At the signing of the BELA Bill into law, President Ramaphosa said there would be a “three-month consultation period.” South Africa faces a complex mix of educational reforms and political maneuvering. The impact of these changes will be closely watched, particularly as they influence the upcoming elections and the future of coalitions at various levels of government.