The coalition honeymoon is definitely over. President Cyril Ramaphosa faces growing internal pressure from the ANC to fire Siviwe Gwarube, the DA’s Minister of Basic Education, over her handling of the contentious Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act. But the DA has made it clear: touch Gwarube and the Government of National Unity (GNU) is over.
Read more of our coverage on the BELA Bill: BELA Bill: What’s at stake for South African schools and politics?
The BELA Act, signed into law three months ago, has sparked heated debates. Two controversial clauses—dealing with school admissions and language policies—have been withheld for further consultation. Gwarube, acting in line with DA policy, facilitated discussions with the union Solidarity through Nedlac (National Economic Development and Labour Council), leading to a settlement.
Last week, we told you about Gwarube’s announcement of a supposed breakthrough on the BELA Act after negotiations at Nedlac. While hailed as a victory at the time, the announcement quickly unravelled as key players in the GNU expressed outrage over being left out of the loop.
DA leader John Steenhuisen is fuming over suggestions that Gwarube could be fired. “The Democratic Alliance (DA) rejects any attempt by a faction of the ANC to influence the president to fire Minister Siviwe Gwarube, or any other DA minister, for doing their jobs. Doing so would signal an end to the Government of National Unity (GNU),” Steenhuisen said in a statement released by the DA on Sunday.
Steenhuisen accused the ANC of misinformation, emphasising that the Nedlac engagements were mandatory under law to avoid strike action. “The fact that the Presidency has distanced itself from this legislated process, which they were party to, is as disgraceful as it is confusing,” he said.
The ANC faction calling for Gwarube’s removal alleges she prematurely claimed an agreement with Solidarity on the Bela Act, leading to public rebukes from Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile. In a statement to IOL, Nedlac executive director Lisa Seftel clarified that the agreement only binds the minister and Solidarity.
“The agreement does not bind the parliamentary process, or the GNU process or the president, or the clearing house, or the deputy president, or anybody else for that matter,” said Seftel.
The ANC’s push to oust Gwarube raises questions about coalition governance. Can Ramaphosa justify firing a minister fulfilling her legal obligations while retaining others facing misconduct allegations? The Bela Act controversy exposes deeper fault lines in the GNU. Ramaphosa’s hesitation to fully implement the Act before the coalition formed raised eyebrows.
Read more of our coverage on the BELA Bill: Ramaphosa hits pause on BELA Bill: Consensus or power play?
For now, the ball is in Ramaphosa’s court. Will he risk the coalition’s stability to appease ANC factions, or will he hold the line, ensuring the GNU survives another day?
Emma is a freshly graduated Journalist from Stellenbosch University, who also holds an Honours in history. She joined the explain team, eager to provide thorough and truthful information and connect with her generation.
