DA leader John Steenhuisen has warned President Cyril Ramaphosa against signing the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, stating the DA will explore all options if it becomes law. Speaking at the Cape Town Press Club, Steenhuisen expressed concerns that the bill undermines children’s right to mother-tongue education and urged Ramaphosa to reconsider.
“We do not believe the president should sign [the] BELA Bill into law tomorrow [Friday],” said Steenhuisen. “But if the president goes ahead, the DA will have to consider all of our options on the way forward.”
One possible action is taking the matter to court. Steenhuisen emphasized that leaders must respect their partners in a multi-party government, warning that neglecting these relationships could have future consequences.
Despite the DA’s objections, Ramaphosa plans to sign the bill, which makes Grade R compulsory, criminalizes parents who fail to send their children to school, and grants schools power to suspend pupils accused of serious misconduct.
Steenhuisen acknowledged the DA’s minority position but highlighted its role in balancing power within the GNU, stating, “Without the DA’s support in Parliament, the government does not have a majority.” He reiterated that while the DA seeks cooperation, it will not back down when key principles and the Constitution are at stake.
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