Following extensive dialogue in 2024, the Government of National Unity reached agreement on the full implementation of the BELA Act. The Bill, passed by Parliament on 26 October 2023, was signed into law by President Ramaphosa on 13 September 2024.
At the signing, he announced a three-month delay for sections 4 and 5, concerning school admissions and language policies. He stated that if no agreement was reached by the 13 December deadline, full implementation would proceed.
During the 2025 SoNA, President Ramaphosa confirmed that Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube will introduce national policy, norms, standards and regulations to facilitate implementation.
He stated, “This year, the Minister of Basic Education will introduce national policy, norms and standards and regulations to empower all partners in basic education to support the implementation of the Act.”
Committee Emphasises Importance of BELA Act
Joy Maimela, Chairperson of the Basic Education Portfolio Committee, stressed the importance of implementing the Act during a departmental briefing on school readiness for 2025. Committee member Mandla Shikwambana questioned whether the delayed implementation contributed to admission backlogs. Several provincial education departments had not placed all learners as the school year began.
Minister Gwarube assured the committee that the BELA Act is being implemented, stating,
As we stand, the BELA Act is fully implementable and is being implemented. As a department, we have had workshops with officials to ensure they are abreast with the Act.
She emphasised the need for guidelines and regulations for principals and teachers to ensure they understand the legislation's implications.
Infrastructure and Budget Concerns Raised
Committee members expressed concern about dilapidated school infrastructure, particularly in rural provinces. Gwarube attributed this to budget cuts, acknowledging the government's missed deadlines for providing adequate infrastructure.
We have resolved to raise the fact that the education budget should not be the sole responsibility of the Minister of Finance, but of government as a whole, given its national significance
Budget Cuts Impact Teacher Posts
Gwarube argued that budget cuts have far-reaching consequences, as schools lack funds to fill teacher vacancies.
The existing teaching vacancies have not been funded over the decade and that is not the decision of the Minister, but of government
She revealed she will request additional government funding to mitigate the impact of these cuts, as some provinces anticipate significant teacher losses.
