Ramaphosa: Solidarity agreement bears no influence on decision regarding commencement of BELA Act

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has clarified the settlement agreement between the minister of basic education and the Solidarity union on the BELA Act, saying it bears no influence on the president's powers to ultimately take a decision regarding the commencement of the act.

Minister Siviwe Gwarube reached an agreement with Solidarity regarding two suspended clauses in the BELA Act.

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The two clauses clauses 4 and 5 of the act were delayed for implementation by the president for further consultation by three months.

This section addresses language and admission policies at public schools, which the signatories believe should not be implemented.

"President Ramaphosa reiterates his commitment to the undertaking he made when he signed the bill on 13 September 2024 to give the parties three months to submit proposals on sections 4 and 5. The president therefore awaits the outcome of those deliberations," said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

The BELA Bill was passed by the sixth democratic Parliament on 26 October 2023. The president assented to the bill on 13 September 2024.