09 July 2025

The ANC Study Group on Basic Education wishes to express its unwavering support for the recent decisions made by the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, particularly regarding the urgent need to expose the sabotage and delaying tactics employed by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube. It is essential that the voices of our communities and stakeholders resonate clearly in matters that impact the education of our children.

Furthermore, the Portfolio Committee has noted underhanded intentions to water down the Act. The intentional removal of “after consultation” and the insertion of “collaboration with” is nothing else but the DA’s move to equate School Governing Bodies (SGBs) with the authority of the Head of Department (HOD). This not only undermines the recourse and authority of the government but also serves to enhance the privileges of racist SGBs that have no regard for the needs of black children.

This is a glaringly divisive posture that South Africa should note in observing the stance of the DA and what it stands for which is anti-transformation. The Minister’s grandstanding with AfriForum and Solidarity, a flimsy attempt to undermine the Presidential processes involving the management of Sections 4 and 5, was uncalled for notwithstanding the continuation of her misuse of the office to disregard the authority of the provinces with which she is mandated to work, as well as the Portfolio Committee leaves much to be desired.

We are alarmed by the imposition of DA-led guidelines within the Department of Basic Education, which not only undermine the authority of the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) but also contradict the constitutional mandate to provide equitable education for all South African learners. The CEM, along with the Portfolio Committee, has unequivocally indicated that regulations should have been published by the end of June. Schools and districts have the right to expect policies that align with the amendments of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, particularly Sections 4 and 5, which strive to enhance inclusivity and the quality of education for all students.

A particularly troubling issue that has come to light is the practice by the Western Cape Education department of requiring photographs as part of the learner application process. This practice raises significant concerns about discrimination and exclusion. The selective use of photographs appears to favour white learners while systematically sidelining black learners, thereby perpetuating a racially biased admission process. Such practices are not just a violation of our moral and ethical standards but also a blatant disregard for the principles enshrined in our Constitution, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination.

The ANC Study Group is acutely aware of the historical context that has led to persistent inequalities in our education system. The actions of the DA-led Department of Basic Education can be seen as an attempt to obscure these issues, rather than confront them. By failing to address the systemic biases and inequities that exist, they are effectively perpetuating a cycle of exclusion that disproportionately affects black learners and other marginalized groups.

We commend the Portfolio Committee’s decision to send back the report from the Western Cape Department of Basic Education due to its inability to provide a comprehensive and detailed assessment of its readiness to implement the BELA Act, particularly concerning issues of admission and learner support. The lack of transparency and accountability in this regard is unacceptable. We take serious note of the concerns raised by parents regarding the exclusion of certain learners and the detrimental effects of these policies on the future of our children.

The ANC Study Group is steadfast in its commitment to ensure that every child, regardless of their race or background, has equal access to quality education. We call upon the Department of Basic Education to take immediate action to rectify these issues and engage with all stakeholders in a transparent and inclusive manner. It is our collective responsibility to foster an education system that is equitable, just, and reflective of our diverse society.

We urge the Minister to prioritize the well-being of all learners and to work collaboratively with CEM and other stakeholders to develop regulations aligned with the Constitution that are fair and beneficial for every child in our country.

The future of our nation rests on the foundation of a strong and inclusive education system. Let us work together to build that future for all South African learners without any compromises and undermining our constitutional democracy.

Issued by: Whip of the ANC Study Group on Basic Education Cde Tshepo Louw (MP)

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