Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube is facing harsh criticism from factions within the African National Congress (ANC) and COSATU over an agreement with the trade union Solidarity regarding the BELA Act.
Despite the backlash, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has come to Gwarube’s defense, calling the agreement both “sensible and rational.”
At the center of the controversy is a pact signed by Gwarube, Solidarity, and the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), which recommends that clauses 4 and 5 of the BELA Act, dealing with language and admission policies should not be implemented.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, however, has distanced himself from the agreement, stating that it holds “no bearing in law.”
Nonetheless, DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp insists that the Presidency was fully involved in the process.
“This was a NEDLAC process. It was not a private agreement between Solidarity and the minister. The Office of the Presidency was present throughout this whole process and after obtaining a mandate from the Presidency, this agreement was signed by the deputy director-general within the office of the Presidency.”
Aucamp emphasised that while the President has the final say on the recommendations, the NEDLAC process cannot be easily overridden.
Acknowledging that clauses 4 and 5 are contentious, Aucamp stressed that the DA would explore all available options moving forward, underscoring the party’s commitment to resolving the matter constructively.
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