Govt pushing ahead with implementation of BELA Act, says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged all stakeholders, across different levels of government, to collaborate in ensuring its smooth implementation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa gave the keynote address at the 24th National Teaching Awards held at the Birchwood Hotel in Kempton Park on 5 October 2024. Picture: @GovernmentZA/X
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa said that government was pushing ahead with the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, despite ongoing debate around it.
Ramaphosa made the announcement during his keynote address at the 24th National Teaching Awards held at the Birchwood Hotel in Kempton Park on Saturday morning.
In attendance is Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi among others.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) October 5, 2024
Educators across SA are being honoured for their exceptional contributions to the country’s education system. @MongeziKoko pic.twitter.com/HWnVFx5dKl
As the globe marks World Teachers' Day, the event is also dedicated to honouring the nation’s hardworking educators.
"We are working to strengthen the foundation of early learning. I often say one of the big errors we make as a nation is to delay the inauguration of early childhood development."
Ramaphosa admitted that the signing of the BELA Act was long overdue but added, "better late than never".
The Act, which has sparked division during its time in Parliament, faced opposition from the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube echoed her party’s stance, arguing it should not be enforced in its current form.
However, Ramaphosa has urged all stakeholders, across different levels of government, to collaborate in ensuring its smooth implementation.
Earlier on Saturday, Ramaphosa praised the country’s educators for their steadfast dedication, calling them the backbone of South Africa’s future.
Speaking at the National Teaching Awards, the president acknowledged the resilience and passion teachers bring to their classrooms, even in the face of tough challenges.
The awards, hosted by the Department of Basic Education, shine the spotlight on those who go the extra mile, in ensuring that students thrive despite the obstacles.
Ramaphosa likened teachers to gardeners, nurturing the minds that would shape the nation’s destiny, and emphasised how pivotal their role was in shaping South Africa’s future.
"It is in the classroom that we mold the best citizens of our country of tomorrow, just as any nation evolves and grows, so too has the teaching profession. Our young people's needs inside the classroom reflect the circumstances, and the world outside it."