Ramaphosa still considering BELA Bill, says The Presidency

CAPE TOWN - The Presidency says the Basic Laws Amendment Bill known as the BELA Bill - which has caused much consternation from some sectors - is still under consideration by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has indicated it will mount a legal challenge to the bill - particularly over its curtailment of the powers of school governing bodies if signed into law in its present form.

Since taking office Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has been meeting with the education fraternity and the unions to hear all sides after previously indicating she wants the bill to return to Parliament for reconsideration.

On Wednesday, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa needs space to apply his mind and to fully evaluate all aspects related to the bill.

"He can only arrive at a decision to either refer the bill back to Parliament or refer it to the Constitutional Court for a test on its constitutionality or assent it to it once he’s properly applied his mind and fully appraised himself of all the concerns that have been expressed, but after he’s satisfied that the various statutory processes leading up to the passing of the bill were properly fulfilled."