Solidarity approached NEDLAC about a national day of protest against BELA

1 October 2024 

Solidarity notified the National Economic, Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) in terms of section 77 of the Labour Relations Act of its intention to stage a national day of protest against the BELA legislation. 

If NEDLAC declares the notice admissible, a mediation process will take place between Solidarity and the government to see if a settlement could be reached. If not, NEDLAC would issue a certificate which means that Solidarity members will be protected if they participate in the protest action. 

According to Anton van der Bijl, Deputy Chief Executive at Solidarity, they requested NEDLAC to deal with the process as a matter of urgency, as pres. Ramaphosa granted only three months before sections 5 and 6 of the Act would come into effect.

“We are sceptical about the talks but will participate in them with an open mind. Solidarity and AfriForum are also engaged in other bilateral talks with various political parties. Various organisations and educational institutions have also given us their mandate for these discussions. 

“It will probably be necessary to exert more pressure. We are going to ask people to set aside one day for the future of our children.

“We are extremely frustrated by the attitude of the ANC, and specifically of the ANC in Gauteng towards BELA. The ANC understands the language of national protest. We now have no choice but to speak their language,” said Van der Bijl.

The national day of protest will be organised in conjunction with AfriForum, other institutions of the Solidarity Movement and many other Afrikaans organisations. 

Van der Bijl says a final date has not yet been set. 

“When a government targets our children, we have no choice but to lawfully vent our protest. Although it is a protest action, we plan to approach it in such a way that families can participate in it. 

“After all, this is a matter that affects families. Nothing will be damaged, and no mess will be left behind. However, a powerful voice will make itself heard. 

“However, we will do everything in our power to reach a settlement though negotiation and mediation,” said Van der Bijl.

The BELA legislation grants the power to the Head of a provincial Department of Education to instruct a school to change its language policy. The Head of the Department of Education also has the final say on the admission of learners to schools. 

For Solidarity BELA means that Afrikaans schools will be left at the mercy of a government official. BELA is regarded as an act of aggression against our community. 

Pres. Ramaphosa signed the BELA legislation. After talks with Solidarity and AfriForum he undertook not to implement sections 5 and 6 of the Act for three months. Talks must be held during this period of three months to find a solution.

If the talks are not successful and the infamous sections are published Solidarity, AfriForum and the Solidarity Support Centre for Schools (SCS) have already announced that they would proceed with court action.

Issued by Anton van der Bijl, Solidarity: Deputy Chief Executive, 1 October 2024