Deputy President Mashatile Emphasizes Official Processes in Handling BELA Act Dispute

Deputy President of South Africa, Paul Mashatile, has recently reaffirmed the importance of adhering to official governmental procedures in resolving disputes concerning the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act. This statement comes in response to the announcement by trade union Solidarity and Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube about a tentative settlement reached at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac).

The BELA Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September, has been a subject of significant contention, particularly concerning sections linked to school admissions and language policies. These elements of the legislation led to uproar from various societal sectors, including AfriForum and Solidarity, prompting a three-month deferment in their implementation to allow further dialogue.

However, what seemed to be a unilateral move by the minister and the union came under scrutiny. The Office of the Deputy President disclosed that it had only been made aware of this agreement through unofficial channels and emphasized that any settlements or discussions should occur within the framework established by the GNU's clearing house mechanism.

This clearing house, overseen by Deputy President Mashatile, was designed to foster consensus among the diverse members comprising the Government of National Unity (GNU) over policy disputes. The mechanism’s latest endeavor involves a task team dedicated to addressing the controversies surrounding the BELA Act.

The Deputy President's Office expressed concerns over the nature of the negotiations, suggesting that the discussions led by the education minister might sidestep the agreed-upon collaborative processes of the GNU. They highlighted that any resolution passed outside this framework could undermine the collective decision-making structure that aims to maintain the integrity and unity of governmental operations.

In his statement, Deputy President Mashatile assured all political entities involved in the GNU that the qualifying procedures would be respected and that a mutual agreement is sought. He urged the signatories of the Statement of Intent, which includes traditional adversaries and allies within the political spectrum, to respect the established mechanisms and work cooperatively towards a consensus.

The Deputy President's reiteration of the procedural adherence underscores the complexity and sensitivity in managing education policy in a diverse society like South Africa. It also serves as a reminder of the requisite discipline within governmental ranks to ensure that processes are transparent, inclusive, and representative of all viewpoints. This approach is vital for maintaining solidarity and functionality within the multi-party GNU, ultimately ensuring that legislation like the BELA Act aligns closely with the nation's educational aspirations and societal values.