It is now time to talk about BELA
6 November 2024
The Solidarity Movement calls on President Ramaphosa to intervene so that talks about BELA can continue. The Movement will also confirm this call in a letter to President Ramaphosa.
South Africa and the Government of National Unity (GNU) are confronted by its greatest test in the form of BELA. It could lead to a split in the country and in the Government of National Unity. The President allowed three months for dialogue.
The ANC’s National Working Committee’s call to implement BELA in its entirety will bring dialogue to an end. It undermines the President’s call for dialogue. This will simply increase tension and will damage confidence in the country. This will jeopardise the entire Government of National Unity. Coming at a time when the new government is still fragile such a call is reckless. It is also not in good faith to issue such a one-sided statement in the middle of talks.
Good progress was made over the past two months in talks between the Solidarity Movement, including Solidarity and AfriForum, the Afrikaanse Onderwysnetwerk and the ANC. These talks showed that there is indeed common ground, and that an agreement is possible. Those talks must continue. Disputes should rather be dealt with in talks and not by means of threats. While we want to find a solution, the ANC is managing factions.
It would be a disaster if talks are stopped before the three months have expired. Given the tension levels about BELA even more time is needed for talks.
Everything now depends on the respective role-players’ commitment to find solutions through dialogue.
We are appealing that talks about BELA continue in all seriousness. It will send a powerful message that a solution can be found about divisive issues such as BELA.
The march against BELA in which more than 10 000 people participated, and the reaction to it by the ANC Study Group on Basic Education show just how high emotions run.
The march demonstrated the feelings of ordinary Afrikaans speaking persons and supporters of mother tongue instruction. The march was not against anything or anyone, but for the idea that children should receive their education in their mother tongue. This is something that all South African children should be allowed to have.
However, the march also showed how high emotions run among Afrikaans speaking people about this issue. For the sake of the larger dialogue it is also necessary that people can express their feelings in public. This is part of the democratic process and dialogue.
The events of the past week have shown that dialogue is now essential. We express our commitment to further dialogue. Right now, the answer lies around the table. The alternative is a disaster for everyone.
Issued by Flip Buys, Chairman of the Solidarity Movement, 6 November 2024
