Gwarube appeals to politicians not to use BELA Act as political football

CAPE TOWN - Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has appealed to politicians not to use the contentious Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act as a political football. 

This after the chairperson of Parliament's portfolio committee, Joy Maimela, said the committee was unhappy that only two draft regulations from the act were gazetted by Gwarube last week.  

Maimela claims the regulations contradict Parliament's intention to transform the education sector.  

The new act makes Grade R compulsory and regulates the admission and language policies of schools.  

READ: Parly Committee concerned regulations undermine BELA Act's intention

But Maimela said Gwarube was expected to gazette all the regulations under the act in one go and not in a piecemeal fashion.  

“While we understand the intent may be to avoid technical delays, this fragmented rollout undermines the coherence, urgency and integrity of the BELA implementation process. South Africa’s children cannot afford to wait for bureaucratic caution or political compromise,” said Maimela. 

READ: Gwarube publishes first 2 BELA regulations for public comment

Maimela said it also appears the regulations on school admissions are contrary to the act’s intentions and will once again exclude disadvantaged learners based on location.  

Gwarube said the regulations were carefully considered and drafted by a group of experts. 

"There are still leaders in the country who are hellbent on politicising this piece of legislation - a piece of legislation that’s going to help us bring coherence in the school system and our education system."

Maimela said Gwarube can expect robust engagement with the committee on these regulations.