BELA Act can't be rushed because of political machinations - Gwarube

CAPE TOWN - Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said that the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA Act) regulations can’t be rushed because of political machinations.

Gwarube has also dismissed statements by some members of the basic education portfolio committee that the regulations were being delayed to avoid implementing the BELA Act in its totality.

Last week, basic education committee chairperson, Joy Maimela, expressed the committee’s "discontent" at the release of only two regulations, saying this creates confusion in the sector.

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The department earlier in August released two out of the eight BELA Act regulations, which focus mainly on admission and the minimum norms for school capacity.

This has caused frustration among some in the African National Congress (ANC), who have called for all the regulations to be released.

But Minister Gwarube said there was no delay, reminding members that the National Health Insurance Act regulations took 18 months to develop.

"South Africans must have an opportunity to comment on these so that whatever the final product is, it’s influenced by the public comments process. But we can’t rush this. It’s important that it not be rushed because of political machinations."

She said they must be guided by how the process works and how legislation development works through the recommendations of the chief state law advisor.