The ANC’s alliance partners, including Cosatu and the South African Communist Party (SACP), have demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa remove Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube from her position. This call came after Gwarube boycotted the signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act, sparking tensions within the ruling coalition.

During the 10th elective congress of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu), held in Johannesburg, SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila voiced strong criticism, stating that Gwarube defied the president under the influence of the Democratic Alliance (DA). He argued that Ramaphosa should have taken immediate action.

“She defied him on the instructions of the Democratic Alliance. He should have fired her on the same day she defied him,” Mapaila told journalists. He went on to say that if the DA supports Ramaphosa, they must allow him to lead and not undermine him by controlling key decisions.

The controversy began when Gwarube announced, just hours before the signing ceremony, that she would not attend until her concerns about the Bill were addressed. Gwarube has consistently opposed the Bela Act in its current form, particularly raising issues with specific sections. She has requested that Ramaphosa refer it back to parliament for reconsideration, citing concerns under Section 79 of the Constitution.

While Ramaphosa went ahead and signed the Act, he agreed to delay the implementation of two contentious sections for 90 days, allowing for further discussions. Despite this, Gwarube has pledged to implement the rest of the Bill during this time.

Sadtu’s leadership, along with Cosatu President Zingiswa Losi, stood in solidarity with Mapaila, asserting that Gwarube’s absence from the Sadtu congress was justified. Losi criticized Gwarube’s lack of respect for the president, stating, “The Bela Act is critical for the transformation of the education system, especially for the black child.”

Losi questioned Gwarube’s loyalty to the office of the president, pointing out that the minister was unable to articulate the importance of the Bela Act despite its significance to educators and students across the country. “How can a minister disregard the president and still be expected to advocate for policy?” Losi asked.

Sadtu has voiced frustration with Gwarube, accusing her of working against their interests. One delegate, who chose to remain anonymous, said, “She is not welcome because we feel she’s working against us. The Bela Bill is crucial to addressing issues teachers have faced since 1976.”

The ANC’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of teachers in society and noting that Gwarube should have been at the Sadtu conference to engage with educators and provide support.

This escalating conflict within the ruling coalition has raised questions about Gwarube’s future, with many calling for decisive action from the president. As tensions mount, it remains to be seen how Ramaphosa will handle this growing internal dissent.

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