President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured the public that despite a three-month pause on implementing the BELA Act, work on the legislation was still progressing.
The delay stems from a reconsideration of two key clauses, but Ramaphosa stressed that the process was moving forward without conflict within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Speaking on the sidelines of the 24th National Teaching Awards at Birchwood Hotel, where the country’s top educators were celebrated, Ramaphosa appeared alongside Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube.
He dismissed any notion of internal disputes over the once contentious bill, emphasising that the education sector remained a priority and the collaboration between parties in government was strong.
“At the same time the discussions are going on around those two clauses, so that work is continuing without any abatement, so be assured that we will put education on a much stronger footing as we go on.”
Ramaphosa reaffirmed that efforts to reform the education system were ongoing, with the BELA Act representing an essential part of that process despite the current pause.