Calls for Ramaphosa To Take Action After Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube Snubs BELA Bill Signing

• Apolitical group Save South Africa is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to act against Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube
• Gwarube was visibly absent as Ramaphosa and other government officials ushered in the anticipated BELA Bill on 13 September
• Save South Africa emphasised that the politician's decision to boycott the signing undermined the legislation's credibility

JOHANNESBURG — Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube was notably absent from the Union Buildings in Tshwane, Gauteng, on Friday, 13 September.

This was as President Cyril Ramaphosa heralded the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill during a signing ceremony with other public office bearers.

Group asks Ramaphosa to act against Gwarube

Briefly News recently reported that Gauteng Education Member of the Executive Council (MEC) Matome Chiloane fully supported the bill.

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Gwarube's absence stems from her strong opposition to the new law, which she qualified when listing her reasons for disagreeing with it in its present form.

She echoed the Democratic Alliance's (DA) stance that it was unconstitutional and should be returned to Parliament.

Therefore, the politician wants Ramaphosa to revise certain sections that deal with language policies that strip school governing bodies (SGBs) at public schools of the right to choose the medium of instruction.

She cited further gripes with making Grade R compulsory and giving early childhood centres the capacity to provide the level.

eNCA reported that Save South Africa has called on Ramaphosa to act against Gwarube for blatantly boycotting the signing.

The apolitical group said her actions undermined the legislation's credibility.

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However, despite objecting to it, Gwarube vowed to ensure the Act's implementation.

Following the signing, Ramaphosa deferred the admission and language policies for 90 days, saying those opposed to them could offer suggestions.

Ramokgopa ices nuclear procurement plan

In other news, Briefly News reported that Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announced that the government's plan to procure 2,500 megawatts of nuclear energy was temporarily off the table.

The gazette came under legal scrutiny based on non-public participation in the process, among other factors. However, the plan received the backing of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

Source: Briefly News