BELA Act will be implemented ‘whether people like it or not’ - Ramaphosa

CAPE TOWN - African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act will be implemented whether people like it or not.  

He said the BELA Act is aimed at ensuring the government improves the country’s education system and requires everyone to work together.  

While the National Health Insurance Act (NHI) has been less polarising in the Government of National Unity (GNU) than the BELA Act, Ramaphosa says this too will be implemented.  

Ramaphosa was addressing the ANC’s presidential gala dinner on Friday night as part of the party’s 113th birthday celebrations.  

The GNU spent all of 2024 divided on the BELA Act, but the ANC seems to have won the battle against the Democratic Alliance (DA).  

READ: DA maintains it has won control of the BELA Act

Ramaphosa on Friday night reiterated that the legislation would go ahead following disputes over language policy.  

“That law, the BELA Act, is going to be implemented whether people like it or not. It is going to happen.”  

Ramaphosa said the same about the NHI, which is also yet to be fully implemented.  

“We will also want to ensure that we implement that NHI Act and provide universal access to quality health care that is free at the point of service. Meaning that the NHI will be implemented.”  

Ramaphosa said Saturday’s January 8 statement would also be a time for the ANC to reflect on what he called its “painful electoral setback” in 2024.  

ALSO READ: January 8 statement: What to expect as the ANC marks its 113th anniversary