Solidarity, AfriForum and the SOS welcome tactical breakthrough about Bela
13 September 2024
A tactical breakthrough was made this morning in Solidarity, AfriForum and the Solidarity Support Centre for Schools’ (SCS) fight against two objectionable sections in the BELA Act which was just signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
After sustained pressure, President Ramaphosa decided to open sections 4 and 5 of this Act for further discussion and therefore not to implement it immediately.
This is something that these organisations consider a win for Afrikaans communities. This serves as proof that public pressure can succeed. Although these organisations would prefer Bela not be signed at all, they nevertheless welcome President Ramaphosa’s decision and consider it a tactical breakthrough.
The president’s announcement in this regard follows Solidarity and AfriForum’s conversation with the president until late at night yesterday (Thursday) where they requested him not to implement these offending articles.