MEC LESUFI DISMISSES CLAIMS THAT HE ATTACKS AFRIKAANS
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Gauteng Education MEC Mr Panyaza Lesufi clarifies concerns which allege that he seeks to attack Afrikaans and mother-tongue education in schools by using the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, as insinuated by the Democratic Alliance (DA) during their misleading campaign and picket outside Gauteng Education Offices on Tuesday, 05 July 2022.
This Bill simply advocates for, among other progressive amendments, the introduction of other languages to be taught in our schools. It further promotes fair and meaningful access to schooling. The DA is trying to prevent fair and meaningful access to schooling by picketing against this Bill.
The Gauteng Department of Education Spokesperson Steve Mabona says responsibility for determining and reviewing legislation in the basic education sector of general application at a national level lies with the Minister of Basic Education. This is done through broad consultation with various stakeholders such as Unions, SGB Associations, all HODs of Provincial Departments of Education (including the Western Cape) and the Council of Education Ministers (CEM), which includes MECs from all nine provinces and a DA minister who sits on the CEM.
MEC Panyaza Lesufi says the insinuation by DA and other organisations stating this Bill is being used to attack Afrikaans and mother-tongue education is senseless. This Bill intends to promote and defend all languages in all schools.
