The Solidarity Movement is calling on President Ramaphosa to intervene so that talks on BELA can continue. The Movement will also confirm this call in a letter to President Ramaphosa.

South Africa and the Government of National Unity (GNU) face their biggest test: BELA. It could cause a division in the country and in the Government of National Unity. The President granted three months for dialogue.

The ANC National Working Committee’s call to fully implement BELA will end the dialogue. It undermines the president’s call for dialogue. This will simply increase tension and damage confidence in the country. This will endanger the entire Government of National Unity. Coming at a time when the new government is still fragile, such a call is reckless. It is also not in good faith to issue such a unilateral statement in the middle of the talks.

Good progress has been made in the past two months in talks between the Solidarity Movement, including Solidarity and AfriForum, the Afrikaanse Onderwysnetwerk and the ANC. These conversations showed that there is indeed common ground and that it is possible to reach an agreement. Those conversations must continue. Disputes should rather be resolved through talks and not threats. While we want to find a solution, the ANC manages factions.

It would be a disaster if talks broke down before the three months were up. Given the levels of tension around BELA, even more time is needed for talks.
Now everything depends on the commitment of the respective actors to find solutions through dialogue.

We call for conversations on BELA to continue in all seriousness. It will send a powerful message that a solution can be found to divisive issues like BELA.

The march against BELA, which involved more than 10,000 people, and the reaction of the ANC Study Group on Basic Education show how high emotions run.
The march demonstrated the sentiments of ordinary Afrikaans-speaking people and supporters of mother tongue education. The march was not against anything or anyone, but for the idea that children receive their education in their mother tongue. This is something that all South African children should be allowed to have.

However, the march also showed how intense emotions are among Afrikaans-speaking people on this issue. For the sake of a broader dialogue, it is also necessary for people to be able to express their feelings in public. This is part of the democratic process and dialogue.

The events of the past week have shown that dialogue is now essential. We express our commitment to continue the dialogue. Right now, the answer is around the table. The alternative is a disaster for everyone.

Posted by Flip Buys, President of the Solidarity Movement, November 6, 2024