Steenhuisen: Attempts to fire Gwarube would mean the end of the GNU

JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) said that it rejects attempts by the African National Congress (ANC) to get Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube fired over the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.

This follows Gwarube's agreement with Solidarity and Nedlac, to halt implementing parts of the BELA Bill dealing with language and admission policy.

The party said that there's an effort within the ANC's factions to get Gwarube removed over the agreement.

DA Leader John Steenhuisen said that doing so would signal an end to the government of national unity (GNU).

"The Democratic Alliance rejects any attempt by a faction of the ANC to influence the president to fire minister Siviwe Gwarube, or any other DA minister, for doing their jobs. doing so would signal an end to the government of national unity."

Steenhuisen said that the party supports the process followed by Gwarube and she was fulfilling her legally obligated responsibilities.