DA’s Gwarube says looking forward to engaging all unions as Education Minister

CAPE TOWN - Despite the early backlash from the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) over the appointment of the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Siviwe Gwarube as the minister of basic education, she said she’s looking forward to engaging all unions.

Gwarube said she would also canvass industry experts for an assessment of the rest of the school year.

The incoming minister finds herself in the tough position of taking over from Angie Motshekga, who was in the post for 15 years and now moves to the Defence Ministry.

She has traded the front row of the opposition benches for a seat in the Government of National Unity (GNU)’s Cabinet.

Gwarube said she’s already immersed herself in the education legislation, including the contentious Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, which her party has vehemently opposed.

However, Gwarube has recognised the bill isn’t all bad.

“The education legislation has not been amended since 1996, so there are things that need to be amended. So, it’s important not to throw out the entire bill with the bath water.”

But Gwarube said she would lobby the president to return the bill to the legislature to iron out the sticking points raised by concerned groups.

“I don’t want this to become some kind of divisive lightning rod in the sector. Ultimately, mine is to make sure we get a good education system to ensure millions of black children who haven’t always had access to good quality education start to have one.”

Gwarube has been replaced as DA whip in Parliament by George Michalakis.