By Johnathan Paoli
Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the efforts of progressive forces within the Tripartite Alliance, despite them being undermined by some who are opposed to the transformation agenda.
Speaking at the SA Communist Party’s national congress on Thursday, Lesufi once again called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to allow the immediate implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act.
“The doors of learning and culture should be open for all. Not only must we be on the side of our children, but we must bring an end to the discrimination and attack on our children,” he said.
Lesufi stressed the importance of Friday in bringing a close on the matter after months of tension and speculation surrounding clauses 4 and 5 of the Act, which deal with language and placement policies.
Ramaphosa has given parties until Friday to reach a compromise, warning if they do not, he will implement the clauses as are.
Lesufi intimated that failure to maintain a strong stance regarding Bela would have consequences for other progressive legislation, including the National Health Insurance, which similarly has been at the centre of contentious positions.
“Betrayal is not an option and cowards must step aside,” Lesufi said.
This comes within the context of the SACP’s general position concerning Bela, with spokesperson Alex Mashilo emphasising the need to combat practices which effectively deprive African learners of access to schools through exclusionary admission and language policies, which act as barriers rather than enabling access.
“These clauses are critical to end the practices of school governing bodies that uphold the apartheid legacy of discrimination and exclusion,” Mashilo said.
Both Lesufi and Mashilo called into question the disingenuousness of the recent National Economic Development and Labour Council agreements surrounding the legislation.
“The SACP denounces machinations to manipulate Nedlac processes through selective consultation. No legitimate Nedlac process can legitimise racist agendas,” Mashilo said.
INSIDE POLITICS
