AZAPO CALLS FOR THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BELA ACT.
AZAPO is calling upon the President not to delay the full implementation of the BELA Act.
AZAPO raises concerns about the negotiations that seem to happen behind the scenes. The deputy
president Paul Mashatile expressed disappointment at what he called “back-door” approach by
Solidarity and the minister of basic education having reached an agreement on the disputed clauses
of the Act. Yet the said agreement was reached at NEDLAC, a body that has government
representation. Government, and by extension the presidency, should have been aware of the
NEDLAC sitting and should have stopped any shenanigans right there.
AZAPO expresses dismay that the government engaged in secretive talks regarding the Bela Act,
resulting in agreements with individuals and political parties that undermine black advancement in
South Africa.
The ANC government’s appeasement stance compromises liberation ideals, particularly the need
for a balanced and equal society.
Although apartheid has been abolished on paper, black children remain restricted to under-resourced schools, while their white counterparts attend well-equipped schools.
The language policy has enabled white communities, particularly Afrikaner ones, to exclude black
children from certain schools.
Attempts to address past inequalities are met with fierce opposition from those determined to
maintain domination over the black majority and preserve exclusively white schools.
AZAPO urges the government to fully implement the BELA Act and demonstrate determination to
rebuild the country by providing our children with quality education.