The DA is standing firm against the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill, with leader John Steenhuisen preparing for a legal battle. Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa signing the bill, the DA remains adamant, prompting legal action.
The bill includes clauses on compulsory grade R, improving school admission policies, regulating homeschooling, and reinforcing the ban on corporal punishment. However, the DA is particularly concerned about clauses empowering provincial departments to override school governing bodies on language policies.
Steenhuisen argues that Afrikaans medium schools do not significantly contribute to the education crisis and turning them into dual-medium or English-medium schools won’t solve the larger issues. With three months given for further parliamentary discussions, the DA is ready to fight against the bill in court if necessary.
While other political parties, like the FF Plus, welcome the delay for further consultation, the DA remains steadfast in their opposition, calling for a focus on improving poorly performing schools nationwide.