Solidarity Movement Presses On with Bela March Despite Freedom Park Denial

The Solidarity Movement is forging ahead with preparations for a significant protest march against the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (Bela Act), despite a recent setback. Freedom Park, a national heritage site in South Africa, has denied access for the march, which is planned for the 5th of November along Reconciliation Road.

This march is a direct response to Sections 5 and 6 of the Bela Act, which aim to strip school governing bodies of their authority over admission and language policies. The legislation has caused an uproar among at least 50 Afrikaans organisations and more than 70 schools. A concerted resolution to demonstrate opposition to these changes was taken at the Bela Action Summit on October 10.

AfriForum, a civil rights organisation, penned a letter to the CEO of Freedom Park, Dr Jane Mufamadi, officially requesting permission for protesters to convene at the park as the culmination point of their march. Llewellynn Hemmens, the District Coordinator for AfriForum in Pretoria, ensured that all security measures for the event were to be properly managed.

Yet, the request was flatly denied. In a letter sent by Mufamadi, it was articulated that Freedom Park is not equipped to handle such requests. It was suggested that AfriForum engage directly with the Presidency.

Flip Buys, the Chairman of the Solidarity Movement, expressed disappointment and concern over Freedom Park's response, which he saw as dismissive of the Afrikaans community's heritage and rights to participate in national discussions.

In defiance of the rejection, the Solidarity Movement has resolved to continue with the demonstration. This includes approaching the legal front, having instructed their legal team to pursue all feasible routes to secure the march's approval. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, is also being petitioned to assist in the matter urgently.

The movement—including affiliates like AfriForum, Solidarity, the Solidarity School Support Centre (SOS), and other Afrikaans bodies—is calling on supporters to register and join the protest. Although Freedom Park is closed to them, they are determined to at least reach its entrance, holding steadfast in their cause for linguistic and educational autonomy.

Supporters and interested parties can find further details and register their participation at www.belaprotes.co.za.