Fikile Mbalula Stands Firm: Government Won’t Collapse if Parties Leave GNU Amid BELA Bill Dispute

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has made it clear that the government remains stable, even if parties from the Government of National Unity (GNU) decide to exit. This assurance comes in response to opposition from parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) over the recent signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa signed the controversial BELA Bill into law at the Union Buildings on Friday, drawing criticism from members of the GNU, particularly the DA, which has threatened legal action. To address concerns, Ramaphosa has delayed the implementation of key clauses dealing with school admissions and language policies for three months to allow for further consultations.

“In recent days, the parties within the GNU have expressed a desire to engage further on the issues surrounding school admissions and language,” Ramaphosa stated during the announcement. “To foster cooperation and meaningful dialogue, I have decided to delay the implementation of clauses 4 and 5 of the Bill by three months. This will provide time for discussions on how differing views can be incorporated. If no consensus is reached, these provisions will be implemented as planned.”

Despite this temporary compromise, tensions remain high, with the DA particularly opposed to sections of the Bill. However, Mbalula has rejected the notion that the delay is a sign of weakness. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, he emphasised that the ANC is not desperate to maintain the GNU at all costs.

“We are the largest party in the GNU, and we caution everyone: don’t make threats because we are not bound to the GNU. We have other options, and threats don’t work here,” said Mbalula. “If any party decides to leave the GNU, it’s not a train smash. The government will not collapse. Stability is guaranteed, and we will move forward regardless.”

Mbalula further noted that while the ANC could have pushed ahead with the Bill unilaterally, they chose to engage with other parties out of goodwill. “We could have implemented the Bill in full, but we decided to give other parties space to express their concerns. It’s about maintaining cooperation, not relationships,” he added.

The BELA Bill has stirred significant debate, with some political factions backing it while others strongly oppose it. One of the key issues is the shift in authority from school governing bodies to heads of department when determining school admission and language policies. The DA, which has voiced strong opposition, argues that this change could undermine the autonomy of schools and lead to chaos.

On the other hand, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the GOOD party have welcomed the Bill. EFF national spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys praised the Bill for addressing systemic inequalities in the education sector. “The BELA Bill introduces amendments to combat these inequalities, and the DA opposes it due to its inherent disdain for the African child,” Mathys stated.

Mathys also criticised the current power dynamics in schools, arguing that school governing bodies have historically used their authority to exclude African learners. “This power has been a tool for white supremacists to marginalise African languages and exclude African children from attending former white schools,” she said.

Similarly, GOOD party leader Patricia de Lille has expressed her support for the Bill, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate.

BELA Bill: A Controversial Step Towards Educational Equality?

The BELA Bill seeks to reform aspects of South Africa’s basic education system, with a particular focus on reducing inequality. However, the debates surrounding it highlight the deep divisions in the country’s political landscape. The DA’s vehement opposition to the Bill stems from concerns over the centralisation of power, which they argue could erode the authority of school governing bodies.

In contrast, parties like the EFF and GOOD see the Bill as a necessary tool for levelling the playing field for disadvantaged communities. The Bill’s provisions, especially those related to language and admissions policies, have sparked fierce debates, underscoring the tensions between historical inequalities and efforts to move towards a more inclusive education system.

As the discussions around the BELA Bill unfold, it remains to be seen whether the GNU will survive the strain. However, as Mbalula has asserted, the ANC is prepared for any outcome. With or without the GNU, the party is determined to move forward and implement policies they believe will benefit the nation.