Gwarube says she will not be attending signing of BELA Bill into law

JOHANNESBURG - Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said she won't be attending Friday’s signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is due to officially make the Basic Education Amendment Laws an official policy. 

While it is tradition for a minister to attend the signing of a law that affects their portfolio, Gwarube said she would be breaking this.

The minister said she has shared her opposition to the bill with the president.

Gwarube said she is opposed to the provincial education departments determining school language policies and the lack of capacity to implement compulsory grade R schooling as contained in the bill.