South Africa’s government is poised for significant educational reform as the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act enters its implementation phase, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the legislation. The Act is expected to reshape the country’s education system, promoting inclusivity and addressing longstanding inequalities.
On September 7, 2022, President Ramaphosa laid the groundwork for this transformative initiative. ANC NEC member Fébé Potgieter firmly stated during a media briefing, "If [you’re] a minister, whether you’re from the ANC, the PAC or Rise Mzansi, you have to implement what is the law of the republic… You can’t decide what you implement and what you don’t implement.” Her comments underscored the urgency for Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube to carry out the Act’s provisions, even as some within the DA expressed concerns about the need for additional regulations concerning language and admission policies.
Potgieter also sought to allay fears surrounding the future of the Afrikaans language under the BELA Act. “Afrikaans shouldn’t single itself out from other official languages because it’s treated the same,” she explained, emphasizing the protection of all South African languages. This assertion was echoed by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, who characterized the implementation of the BELA Act as "a victory for constitutional values," adding, “The full BELA Act enrols a new era of inclusivity addressing historical inequalities and affirming the rights of all learners to quality education.”
While opponents, including DA leader John Steenhuisen, warned of possible implementation delays due to Gwarube's need to clarify norms and regulations, Mbalula remained optimistic. “This Act dismantles remnants of apartheid-era practices,” he proclaimed, highlighting its importance for promoting equality within the educational system.
The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) has also expressed support for Ramaphosa's full implementation of the Act. CEO Lance Schultz stated, “The Pan South African Language Board welcomes the announcement of the outstanding clauses of the BELA Act,” emphasizing the importance of fostering true multilingualism within South Africa’s education framework 30 years post-democracy.
Adding to the conversation, education expert Professor Mary Metcalfe called the implementation of the BELA Act "transformative," dismissing public narratives claiming the language policy would harm Afrikaans. According to Metcalfe, misconceptions surrounding the powers of school governing bodies and their applicability to public schools have proliferated. She asserted, “The constitution is explicit: all learners have the right to be taught in their language of choice. The narrative being peddled—that this is somehow going to do away with Afrikaans—is completely wrong.”
At the heart of the BELA Act is the pursuit of quality education for all South African learners, regardless of linguistic background. The Act introduces provisions such as universal access to education, the elimination of corporal punishment, and equitable language policies aimed at facilitating inclusiveness.
Despite the political pushback, many advocates believe the BELA Act's successful implementation could lead to greater cohesion and equality within the nation's educational framework. Critics have voiced their concerns, but those backing the legislation argue it is time to finalize the transition away from entrenched apartheid-era policies.
Overall, as the BELA Act moves toward full implementation, its success will depend on resolving outstanding issues related to language and admissions, as well as achieving consensus among educational stakeholders. The potential to reshape the educational experience for millions of learners hangs in the balance, amid competitive political discourse and community apprehensions.
The implementation of the BELA Act stands as not only an opportunity for educational reform, but also as a reflection of South Africa's commitment to equality, diversity, and the rights of all its citizens.
