/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The day of protest against the Basic Education Act (BELA) will take place in Pretoria on Tuesday 5 November. According to Flip Buys, chairperson of the Solidarity Movement, the public is asked to give up one day for the future of our children.

This day is organised by the Solidarity Movement, which includes Solidarity and AfriForum. Many other Afrikaans organisations and educational organisations will also participate. Dozens of governing bodies have also indicated that they will mobilise parents for the protest and a large number of traditional leaders who feel strongly about mother tongue education will join the protest.

According to Buys, the negotiations with various parties regarding BELA are still in full swing. “There is a need for a balance of power in negotiations. The protest march is essential to publicly show our protest. This is not a small political dispute. It is about the survival of a language and culture community,” said Buys.

The march will start at the Voortrekker Monument, from where everyone will move together to Freedom Park.

Buys says Freedom Park symbolises unity and diversity for the government. President Ramaphosa said the purpose of postponing the implementation of sections 5 and 6 of the BELA Act is for the sake of unity. We believe that BELA threatens unity and destroys diversity. That is why we want to meet the government at Freedom Park.

Participants in the march are asked to arrive at the Voortrekker Monument at 08:00 in the morning. Proceedings will start at 10:00. Participants are encouraged to register and wear comfortable shoes.
To take part in the day of protest a short registration form must be completed on www.belaprotes.co.za.

Sections 5 and 6 of the BELA Act give the final say on admission and language policies at a school to a civil servant, who then has the power to change these policies, taking this power to make these decisions away from the governing body and the parents.

In September this year, Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa undertook not to implement these articles for three months so that discussions could be held and negotiations could take place.

According to Buys, the government must be placed under as much pressure as possible during this period so that a settlement can be reached.

“Therefore, our time is short. We appeal to governing bodies and parents to mobilise in large numbers to help stop BELA. We appeal to you, your friends and your family to turn up in large numbers. This is one day of marching for the future of our children,” said Buys.

Full details about the BELA protest march can be found together with the registration form on www.belaprotes.co.za.

BELA Protest March:
When: Tuesday 5 November 2024 from 08:00
Where: Voortrekker Monument (to Freedom Park)