South African Correspondent<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to sign the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill into law, despite opposition from some members of the government of national unity (GNU).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bill has sparked fierce debate, with some critics arguing it exposes children to pornographic material and others concerned about its impact on language policies and school admissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GNU partners are divided on the bill, with DA leader John Steenhuisen urging Ramaphosa not to sign it, saying it would violate the spirit of the GNU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Al Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks has also expressed concerns, saying the bill “borders on pornography” and teaches children “how to put on a condom on a pe**s”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Cosatu parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks has welcomed the bill, saying it contains “many common sense and long-overdue progressive provisions” that will protect learners’ rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In an effort to avert a coalition row, Ramaphosa has delayed the implementation of the most controversial part of the bill, announcing a three-month consultation period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We want to find ways for different views to be accommodated,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bill aims to transform the education system and address continued inequalities, but its reforms have been met with resistance, particularly from the Afrikaans-speaking community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AfriForum has described the bill as an attack on Afrikaans education and has vowed to oppose it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Ramaphosa signs the bill into law, he faces opposition from within his own coalition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“If the president continues to ride roughshod over these objections, he is endangering the future of the GNU and destroying the good faith on which it was based,” Steenhuisen warned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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