Solidarity says parts of BELA Act will cause chaos

JOHANNESBURG -Trade union, Solidarity has contended that the promulgation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act would render the statute in conflict with the current Schools Act. 

It's added that it is the failure of government to realise the provisions set out in the Schools Act that relate to, among others, infrastructure and capacity in schools.  

Solidarity hauled the Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, and the Presidency before the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), seeking legal clarity on some clauses in the BELA Act.

READ: DA defends Gwarube's agreement with Solidarity not to implement parts of BELA Act

This as parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have until Friday to find middle ground on their reservations about the BELA Act. 

Solidarity’s operational head, Werner Human said there are explicit provisions in the prevailing legislation that speak to admissions and language.

"You have the development of norms and standards and regulations in accordance with the schools act. That hasn't been developed yet. There's already explicit provision made to matters relating to capacity, to matters relating to admissions, and even on language. There is in the Schools Act, or the schools legislation, there's a national policy on language. There's already provision made," Human said.