AfriForum, Solidarity serve Ramaphosa and Gwarube with letter of demand over BELA Act

JOHANNESBURG - Lobby groups AfriForum and Solidarity have begun the process of having certain sections of the BELA Act declared unconstitutional through a court challenge.

The act was signed into law in September 2024, with two clauses being delayed for implementation and to allow for a further three-month public consultation process.

These clauses dealt with school admission and language policies. 

In December, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the full implementation of BELA without any amendments. 

At a media briefing on Thursday, Solidarity's Werner Human said they had served Ramaphosa and Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube with a letter of demand. 

Human said the responses to the letter would determine when and how they would serve court papers.

"In the letters, we request the president that he provides reasons and that's in terms of the Administrative Justice Act to provide reasons within 10 days why the proclamation notice (to implement BELA Act in its entirety) was signed. We believe ultimately the signing of the proclamation notice on the basis of all the work we have done for 3 months and before; would be irrational and reviewable."