EFF Slams Delay In BELA Act Implementation, Accuses Ramaphosa Of Yielding To Right-Wing Allies

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Sunday criticized the delay in implementing key parts of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, accusing President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government of bowing to "right-wing coalition partners."

EFF National Spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys expressed disappointment over the government's decision to delay Clauses 4 and 5 of the BELA Act.

These clauses focus on language and admissions policies in schools, and they are at the center of the political disagreement. They aim to shift the power to set admissions and language policies from School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to the Head of Department in provincial education departments.

"The delay has come solely because Ramaphosa seeks to appease racist right-wing groups at the expense of the needs of ordinary South Africans," Central News reported.

Mathys warned that the government's concessions could undermine the transformative goals of the BELA Act and reinforce inequalities in the education system. She also accused the government of secretly negotiating with right-wing groups to weaken the law's intended changes.

She cautioned South Africans about the potential disruptive role the Ministry of Basic Education could play in implementing the Act, under the influence of the DA and Helen Zille, who have called for protections for mother-tongue education.

DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille and Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube have both pushed for detailed guidelines to properly implement the Act.

Zille stressed the importance of public consultation and legal compliance before moving forward with the disputed clauses, emphasizing that it is a legal process that must involve public input and clear protections for constitutional rights.

The EFF believes the delays are intentional stalling tactics. Leigh-Ann Mathys argued that the DA plans to use the process of creating norms, standards and regulations to delay the implementation of the BELA Act for nearly two years.

She warned that if the delays continue, there could be serious consequences for the Minister of Basic Education, including calls for her removal.

As the implementation of the BELA Act moves forward, the EFF has urged South Africans to stay alert and resist any efforts to weaken the Act's goals. Mathys warned that accepting the BELA Act without questioning the delays and the recent agreement reached through questionable means would be a step backward.

The EFF also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting progressive laws while opposing neoliberal policies. Mathys added that the party's main focus in 2025 would be to push for the nationalization of the South African Reserve Bank, an issue on which the EFF and ANC share a common view.