Expanding State Control: Ramaphosa’s Controversial Move Raises Eyebrows
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent approval of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill has sparked controversy and legal challenges across South Africa. Signed into law on September 13 amidst protests and opposition, the move has been heavily criticised for expanding state control over education.
Ramaphosa’s decision, influenced by the SA Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) and COSATU, has been viewed as a political manoeuvre rather than a step towards educational improvement. Critics argue that the rushed passage of the BELA Bill through parliament ignored public input and concentrates decision-making power in the hands of provincial education heads, sidelining parents and School Governing Bodies (SGBs).
The President’s assertion that the BELA Bill aims to enhance South Africa’s education system has been met with scepticism, particularly given the country’s poor rankings in global education assessments. Concerns about ideological agendas and the erosion of educational standards have fuelled opposition to the legislation.
Legal challenges against the BELA Bill are gaining momentum, with the DA planning to contest its constitutionality in court. Organisations like the Pestalozzi Trust and Solidarity have pledged significant resources to challenge what they see as a threat to parental rights and democratic processes.
