Lesufi: Gwarube has a responsibility to implement BELA policy

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has urged Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube to not bring "politics" to her office when it comes to implementing the newly signed law, BELA Bill.

Gwarube boycotted Friday’s signing ceremony of the bill, breaking a long-standing tradition of ministers attending the event when their portfolio will be affected by the new law.

In a media statement released on Friday morning, Gwarube said she was opposed to the language policy and making grades compulsory, as contained in the new legislation.

READ: BELA Bill: While signed into law, implementation of 2 clauses delayed for 3 months

The signing ceremony was held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria

While President Cyril Ramaphosa did not address Gwarube’s absence, he referred to the education minister’s remarks earlier this week, where she said if the BELA Bill was signed into law she would have no choice but to implement it.

Gwarube’s duties during the ceremony were taken over by her deputy, Reginah Mhaule.

Also in attendance was Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who said that all members of the national executive had a duty now to ensure the BELA policy was implemented.

"We indicated she must not bring politics into the sector because that will be a very dangerous game. Just imagine if I urge my MEC (of education) not to interact with her or other MECs not to interact with her, I really believe that with that three-month window period, she will review her boycott of this particular process but she has a responsibility to implement it."

Ramaphosa said he would delay the implementation of the schools' admission and language policies for three months to allow for an engagement process.