FF Plus still has reservations about the BELA Act

JOHANNESBURG - The Freedom Front Plus said that it still has reservations in relation to sections four and five of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act.

The party is one of the 11 represented in the Government of National Unity (GNU) and also agreed that the Act should not go back to Parliament.

It said while it still has some concerns, it is hopeful that the development of norms and standards will regulate the implementation of the Act.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday promulgated the act and instructed Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube to ensure the full implementation of the statute.

Wouter Wessels said, "We still have reservations on those sections and obviously all parties and organisations will go forth with our internal processes and discussing these matters but at the end of the day, the norms and standards will be important as that will regulate how sections four and five of the BELA Act will be implemented."

Meanwhile, Rise Mzansi expressed disappointment that some political parties have been actively spreading misinformation about the contentious BELA act and its objectives.

The party, which has supported the full implementation of the legislation, has condemned those opposing it. 

Although Ramaphosa signed the BELA Act into law over three months ago, he delayed the implementation of sections four and five to allow political parties to reach a consensus.

Rise Mzansi Spokesperson Mabine Seabe stated that the legislation will enhance access to education for all South Africans.

"It is unfortunate that some parties and stakeholders sought to contaminate the legislation through misinformation, disinformation and scaremongering in order to advance their own narrow interests. The act was not and is not an assault on any language, but rather it is about access, equality and the advancement of all of South Africa’s languages. As South Africans in our diversity we should be proud of this," said Seabe.