Minister Has To Implement Several Steps Regarding Bela Act Zille

Democratic Alliance DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille has called on Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube to first establish norms, standards, and regulations to govern the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act BELA Act.

Zille's comments come in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa's directive for the immediate implementation of two contentious sections of the BELA Act, specifically Section 4 and Section 5, which deal with language and admissions. These sections have faced opposition from the union Solidarity and the civil organization AfriForum.

Speaking to SABC News, Zille emphasized that the development of the necessary norms and standards by Gwarube would involve legal processes and public participation, and could take up to 18 months to complete.

"Theres a legal process that you have to go through. It involves public participation and a whole range of issues," Zille explained. "Siviwe Gwarube will go through this process properly, step by step, and put those norms, standards, and regulations in place so that the contentious aspects of the bill can be implemented within that framework."