Programme Directors, Dr Blade Nzimande and Mr Bheki Khumalo;
Our Mother, Mrs Funeka Bengu, the children and Professor Bengu’s family and friends;
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli;
Members of the Executive Council and Members of the Legislature;
Honourable Velenkosini Hlabisa and the leadership of Inkatha Freedom Party present;
Honourable Siboniso Duma and the leadership of the African National Congress in KZN here present;
Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Members of Parliament;
Dr Zweli Mkhize, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and former Ministers here present;
The Premier of Gauteng, Honourable Panyaza Lesufi;
Leaders of political parties here present;
Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of UKZN; 
Members of the academic fraternity;
Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa;
Traditional, Religious and Community Leaders;
Fellow mourners;

Ngiyanibulisa nonke ngo kukhulu ukuzithoba,

Today, we gather to pay tribute to a remarkable individual, Professor Sibusiso Bengu, a renowned revolutionary and intellectual of his time.

As a country, we have lost a distinguished educator, diplomat, and servant of the people.

Professor Bengu has played a key role in shaping education and other social policies, contributing to the transformation of the sector, and most importantly reversing the legacy of apartheid in education.

Those among us who were fortunate enough to work with him, will never forget his commitment to fighting for social justice and promoting democracy in South Africa.

One of Professor Bengu's notable contributions is his advocacy for inclusive governance. He has been a prominent advocate of marginalised populations, working relentlessly to solve our society's inherent injustices.

As a champion of education, Prof. Bengu has been instrumental in demolishing the apartheid structure of our country's education sector.

His passion for contributing towards education especially amongst the underprivileged and marginalised was evident when he began his teaching career in 1952 and founded Dlangezwa High School in 1969, serving as principal until 1976.

In multiple ways, Prof. Bengu exemplified perfection, and never undermined any task or responsibilities assigned to him. He served in every portfolio with the intention of improving the lives of the majority, never accepting a position out of self-interest.

It came as no surprise when he was appointed by President Nelson Mandela, as the first democratic government Minister of Education. His skills, knowledge, and contribution to various sectors of education showed that he possessed the capacity to revolutionise education by dismantling the dreadful legacies of apartheid.

Thirty (30) years later, our educational outcomes are still improving—a testament to the profound impact of this icon. As part of President Nelson Mandela's Cabinet, he introduced many key pieces of legislation that shaped our education system.

Among these are the South African Schools Act of 1996 and the policy recommendations of the National Commission on Higher Education, which served as a guide for the government's efforts to reconstruct and transform the apartheid higher education system.

He oversaw the amalgamation of seventeen (17) fragmented education departments into a unified system and introduced Curriculum 2005 to reform the school curriculum.

He also played a pivotal role in the facilitation of the transition from the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA) to the current National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Compatriots,

The manner in which we have enhanced the schooling system and produced quality matric results, leading to the acceptance of many of our children into higher education and training clearly demonstrates how Prof. Bengu's contributions impacted the education sector. 

Professor Bengu's contribution resulted in many among the previously disadvantaged groups participating meaningfully in the economy and leading in various professions and industries which they were previously barred. 

In recent years, in order to continue Professor Bengu's work and legacy, the government established the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC). The HRDC has brought together government, the private sector, and civil society to ensure that we invest in the production of skills required by the state and the economy.

Through the HRDC, we are working together with the institutions of higher learning and training in advancing the transformation of the higher education sector.

In keeping with his legacy and honouring his work, we are investing in the growth and development of the TVET sector, which plays a crucial role in producing the skills that the economy and the state immediately require.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me also use this opportunity to thank the Department of Higher Education for honouring Prof. Bengu, by renaming what was then known as the Historically Disadvantaged Institutions Development Grant (HDI-DG), to the Sibusiso Bengu Development Program (SB-DP).

In order to enable the HDIs to respond to cross-cutting imperatives such as; decolonisation in higher education, indigenous knowledge systems, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and digitisation, the Sibusiso Bengu Development Program (SB-DP) aims to decisively redress the inequalities that have negatively impacted their development and sustainability.

This programme is in line with what the professor Bengu has fought for. We should therefore ensure that this programme achieves its desired outcomes and that it never fails!

We believe that Professor Bengu's work has directly and indirectly reversed the Verwoerd Apartheid policies, which aimed to provide inferior education for Africans in particular and Black people in general.

Through his work, we have witnessed a significant advancement in the vision of constructing a society that is free from racism, sexism, and discrimination. This is evident in the fact that we are now producing globally competitive young South Africans who are able to compete with the best in the world.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we go beyond the 30 years of freedom and democracy, we are going to invest in the speed of policy execution and implementation. This is to ensure that the critical transformation policy contributions made by Professor Bengu are not undermined and that we continue to drive the change that we are pursuing in this sector. 

Our task is to ensure that the state, institutions of higher education, and the private sector will expand the ten (10) growth sectors, which include finance, manufacturing, agriculture, business, and services amongst others. 

Our goal is to create much-needed employment while also ensuring that many young people, women, and the most disadvantaged individuals have meaningful participation in the economy.

We have also agreed that emerging from the 2024 elections, we are going to focus on growing an inclusive economy and reducing the cost of living. 

Furthermore, we are investing in the building of a developmental, capable, and ethical state that has the capacity to transform society and redirect development to resolve the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

In honour of Professor Bengu, we are reaching out to the intelligentsia in society, especially in universities, to continue to work with the government, so that together we deal with all the challenges facing our people.

We must all emulate the ethos of Prof. Bengu, which is to make a difference in the lives of those in need by reaching out to them. Our society should follow his example and strive for excellence in everything we do. Let his example guide us, and his spirit inspire us to make a positive impact in our country.

We also encourage the student fraternity, to maintain their position at the forefront of finding enduring solutions to our challenges, as they have done in the past. Remembering that they are members of communities before they are students. 

As the Professor has taught us, we should understand the connection between education and development.

We must continue to address challenges related to access to better education. An educated society has better prospects for a better future and breaking the shackles of poverty and injustice. 

Educated populations correspond with national economic growth and, both directly and indirectly, increase economic productivity. 

I also call on the trade union movement and other sectors to continue to work together to ensure that our universities remain critical centres that produce the best skills required by the economy and the state.

We should unite as diverse sectors of society to collaborate and serve the people of our country with integrity and dignity.

I concur with the words of Haile Selassie that "History teaches us that unity is strength, and cautions us to submerge and overcome our differences in the quest for common goals, to strive, with all our combined strength, for the path to true brotherhood and unity."  

As many have alluded, the passing of Prof. Bengu should propel us to pay more urgent and collective attention to some of the unresolved challenges in society including in the transformation of our country’s education landscape.

As a further step towards transforming South Africa's education system, our government, will ensure that the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA) takes place as soon as possible.

The BELA law grants provincial education departments’ greater control over school admission policies, language practices, and codes of conduct, ensuring they respect the cultural and religious beliefs of all learners. The BELA Acts seeks to ensure that in line with the changing socio-political, economic, and geographical landscape in South Africa, all learners have equal and fair access to quality basic education that the country can offer. 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

As we accompany our leader and brother to his final resting place, may we always remember how Professor Sibusiso Bengu's political efforts have been vital in furthering our democratic values and socio-economic development. 

His passion to promote equality and fairness has had a long-lasting influence on our society, and this should inspire us. To this day many South Africans, are still benefiting from his immense contribution, and for this we are grateful. 

Once more, on behalf of the Government, let me extend our deepest condolences to Mama Funeka, his children and grandchildren, and the entire Bengu family.

I would like to leave you with words of encouragement from the Book of Matthew 11:28 which says, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Hamba kahle Ngcolosi, Dlabazane, Shongololo.

Ngiyabonga.

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will, tomorrow, 10 January 2025, attend and deliver a Eulogy at the funeral of the late Prof. Sibusiso Bengu, who passed away on 30 December 2025.
 
President Cyril Ramaphosa has honoured the late Prof Bengu with a Special Official Funeral Category 2. As the first Minister of Education in a democratic South Africa, Prof. Bengu played a pivotal role in the transformation of a deeply flawed and unequal education system of the apartheid era. 

To this day, ordinary South Africans still benefit from the immense contribution of Prof. Bengu, through the Education Act, which mainly addresses issues around the transformation of the sector and the provision of developmental and empowerment opportunities for all South Africans.
 
Details of the funeral service are as follows:

Date: Friday, 10 January 2025
Time: 08h00
Venue: University of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal 
 
 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Prof Sibusiso Bengu, the democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Education, will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2.

Prof Bengu passed away on 30 December 2024 at the age of 90.

President Ramaphosa reiterates his deep condolences to the family and friends of Prof Bengu, who also served as South Africa’s ambassador to Germany from 1999 to 2003.

Prof Bengu’s Special Official Funeral Category 2 will be held at the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, 10 January 2025.

Proceedings will include ceremonial elements rendered by the South African Police Service.

President Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half mast at flag stations around the country from tomorrow morning, Tuesday, 7 January, until the evening of the funeral.

 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Prof Sibusiso Bengu, the democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Education, who has passed away at the age of 90.

President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the family and friends of Prof Bengu, who also served as South Africa’s ambassador to Germany from 1999 to 2003.

President Ramaphosa said: “My thoughts are with Mama Funeka and the family with whom we are united in this loss.

“Prof Bengu was a pioneering leader of our democratic dispensation and administration who led the transformation of education in a democratic Government of National Unity where deep divisions existed about how far this transformation should go.

“Under apartheid, the injustice of unequal education had been at the core of consigning most citizens to intergenerational economic exclusion, poverty and indignity.

“The Education Act formulated under Prof Bengu’s leadership and adopted by our fledgling Parliament was a cornerstone of our liberation and unleashed the human potential of all South Africans. It was and is still the lever for the empowerment and development we see today in the lives of individuals and communities.

“We are therefore indebted to Prof Bengu for his patriotic and visionary service in serving our nation at home and abroad as our Ambassador to Germany.

“His legacy is entrenched through the Sibusiso Bengu Development Programme which seeks to advance the development of historically disadvantaged institutions in higher education as strong, socially embedded institutions in a diversified post-school education and training system.

“Today we are grateful for Prof Bengu’s diverse contributions to our development, which will light our way forward. We reflect as well on his life of faith which inspired his commitment to restoring the dignity of all South Africans.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

My Fellow South Africans, 

As we prepare to enter the new year, we look back on 2024 as a year
of change and progress.

We marked 30 years since becoming a free and democratic nation on the 27th of April 1994.

We celebrated the progress made in building a society founded on the ideals of freedom, equality and human rights.

On the 29th of May 2024, We held our seventh democratic elections, peacefully and freely.

As the people of South Africa voted for the representatives of their choice, they gave voice to their concerns, aspirations and expectations.

Our people, through their votes, called on political parties to put their differences aside and to work together to put our country first.

As elected public representatives and acting on the outcomes of the elections that gave no single party an outright majority to govern South Africa on its own, we heeded the clear message from our people.

We established a Government of National Unity, bringing together parties from across the political spectrum.

This Government of National Unity, made up of 10 political parties, committed through the Statement of Intent it adopted to grow an inclusive economy and create jobs.

The GNU has committed itself to reduce poverty and lower the cost of living.

The parties are all working to strengthen the capacity of the state to deliver services to our people.

The outcomes of the May 2024 elections and establishment of the Government of National Unity have enabled South Africa to enter a new era that holds great promise.

Our economy is slowly but steadily improving.

More South Africans are finding jobs.

Inflation has been falling, making essential goods more affordable for households.

 In 2024, South Africa achieved its first primary budget surplus in 15 years.

Public sector investment has risen for another straight year.

There is increased investment in roads, rail, public housing, energy and water and sanitation infrastructure.

Business confidence to enhance investments is on the rise.

International investor sentiment towards South Africa has improved, with more companies seeking to invest or expand their presence in our economy.

As this happens more jobs will be created, more livelihoods supported and more local businesses sustained.

The far-reaching economic reforms we started in the sixth administration are showing results.

We are emerging from a debilitating energy crisis that caused immense hardship for households and businesses.

 The country has now gone for 280 days without load shedding.

We continue the work to get more power onto the grid, to drive massive new investment in electricity generation and to establish a competitive electricity market.

Our logistics sector, which is critical to the functioning of our economy, has shown notable improvement following the corrective initiatives that we embarked upon in partnership with business, labour and Transnet.

Our ports have reduced long delays in handling imports and exports, and rail freight is flowing more efficiently. 

This will encourage greater investment and make them more efficient.

Through the partnership between government and business – and through the ongoing cooperation with social partners, including labour – we are making real progress in removing the obstacles to faster growth and job creation.

This has been a year in which we have intensified the fight against crime.

Through the focused execution of Operation Shanela, Operation Vala Umgodi as well as operations against the construction mafia, our law enforcement agencies are decisively dealing with organised crime, illegal mining, extortion at construction sites and other priority crimes.

As a society, we have continued to focus our attention on the fight against gender-based violence and femicide.

We have strengthened the capabilities of the criminal justice system and improved support for survivors.

However, our primary focus must remain on the prevention of gender-based violence against the young girls and women of our country.

Working with civil society and other partners across our society, we continue to call upon men and boys to stand at the forefront of changing attitudes and behaviour.

We continue to intensify the fight against corruption and state capture.

The Investigating Directorate, which has now been established as a permanent entity in the National Prosecuting Agency, currently has a number of corruption cases in court and has charged several accused individuals.

In this 30th year of our democracy, we have taken further steps to advance our constitutional mandate of upholding equality, human rights and social justice.

We signed into law transformative legislation like the National Health Insurance Act and the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.

The implementation of these laws will provide greater access for all South Africans to decent health care and quality education.

Just as we attained our freedom through the support and solidarity of many people and nations around the world, we continue to stand in solidarity with the victims of injustice in other parts of the world.

We have stood firm in our support for the struggle of the people of Palestine.

As the conflict in the Middle East continues, as genocide is perpetrated against the people of Gaza and as Israeli hostages remain in captivity, we continue to call for the cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages. 

South Africa’s sports men and women have done our country proud in the sporting field as they have flown the South African flag high in various parts of the world. 

We are grateful to the athletes who brought us glory at this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.

We are proud of our nation’s artists who hoisted our flag high on the global stage.

We congratulate the nation’s pioneering artists, filmmakers, writers and cultural workers who have excelled in their respective fields, achieving awards both at home and abroad.

This has been a year of triumphs and great progress. But it has also been marked by tragedy.

The deaths of innocent young children in Soweto and other parts of the country who lost their lives earlier this year from eating contaminated foodstuffs pain us as a nation. 

We reiterate our condolences to the families of the children who passed on.

We remember the many lives that are senselessly lost to violence every day.

We are deeply saddened by the negligent and unnecessary recent deaths of young men at initiation schools in the Eastern Cape.

Our thoughts are with the families that have been left destitute in the Western Cape after devastating shack fires destroyed their homes and belongings.

As individuals and as communities, we must lend our every effort to helping those affected by these terrible events.

We will work with our law enforcement authorities to ensure that our children are safe.

We will continue to make our streets and neighbourhoods safe.

As another year draws to a close, we pay tribute to all those who continue to serve our country.

We thank our nation’s educators who support, nurture and guide our learners in the quest for better quality education.

We thank our men and women in uniform for keeping us safe at great sacrifice to their lives.

We thank our doctors, nurses, paramedics and other health workers and all frontline personnel who respond to people in their need.

We thank the nation’s dedicated public servants and all South Africans who continue to perform their duties with excellence and integrity.

Fellow South Africans,

As much as we have made progress, we have to do much more to overcome the challenges that confront our nation.

We need to work with urgency and purpose to grow an inclusive economy and create jobs.

We need to support our municipalities to ensure that all our people receive quality services without exception and without disruption.

In particular, we need to continue to work together to address the severe water supply challenges that have affected various parts of the country.

As a people, our unity, determination and resilience has seen us through hard times.

Just as this has been a year of great change, we look to the next year with great hope.

We will be embarking on a National Dialogue, bringing all South Africans together to develop a common vision for the country.

In 2025, we will be hosting the first G20 Summit on African soil.

Through our leadership of the G20 we will work for solidarity, equality and sustainable development that will have an impact on many peoples around the world.

As we embark on a new year, I call on each and every South Africa to be part of the journey towards a better future for all.

I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

May God bless South Africa and protect her people.

I thank you.
 

Fellow Compatriots,

Once again, the festive season is upon us!

It is my privilege on behalf of the South African Government to address you as we celebrate this festive season.

The festive season allows us time to spend with families and our loved ones and reflect on the challenges and achievements of the year while looking forward to the future. 

The year 2024 was an important year for all South Africans as we celebrated 30 years of democracy. South Africans were engaged in many activities that continued to make our democracy vibrant and make us remain a resilient nation.

This year was also in some respect a turbulent one for many South Africans, with wavering events that tested our resilience and unity as a nation. I would like to thank all South Africans for having participated in a free and fair elections on the 29th of May this year. The outcome of this election sent a clear message to political parties in Parliament to work together to find solutions to the problems that our people are facing.

Our economic challenges remain a constant feature in our struggle to reduce the cost of living. We remain committed to bringing under control the rising cost of transport, electricity and the cost of food that has become a huge burden to many South Africans.

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of 2024 showed a significant decrease in unemployment, yet millions remain unemployed.

According to a World Bank report, our nation continues to be one of the most unequal societies in the world. As part of providing solutions to these challenges, Government is implementing plans to ensure inclusive economic growth to create jobs and has invested significantly in the social wage package to reduce inequality and address the worst effects of poverty. 

This package includes free basic services - health, education, and social housing for the poor, as well as extensive social security grants for the elderly and other vulnerable groups in our communities.

The 7th Administration has already intensified efforts to attract investment by raising investor’s confidence in the economy, and the ability to maintain the electricity supply and ensure that we end load shedding. 

We are now more than 300 days without load shedding. This is the first winter that we spent without load shedding in five years. We thank the men and women in the Public Service for their hard work. We also thank the private sector for their contribution as we continue to keep the lights on and invest in Renewable Energy as we move towards the Just Energy Transition (JET).

President Cyril Ramaphosa has established the Water Task Team this year to address water challenges in various parts of the country. Government has also intervened to deal with the problem of illegal spaza shops and selling of illicit goods and food to communities. Many were affected by food- borne illnesses that saw many children lose their lives. We urge all traders to register their businesses and comply with the regulations. Government has also adopted stringent measures to combat crime, corruption and also curb the illegality of Zama-Zamas.

We have made strides in addressing issues faced by government departments and agencies, including clearing the backlog of identity documents, visas and improving the processing of work permits. 

Fellow Compatriots,

We recently concluded the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, which underscores our collective responsibility to combat the scourge of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

However, sixteen days are not enough, we must come together as communities to address and combat GBVF throughout the entire year. We commend men who are participating in the “BETTER MAN 4 TOMORROW” campaign and stood up to commit against GBVF, HIV/AIDS, TB and STI’s. We urge more men to partake in this campaign.

Although we are making progress in our fight against HIV/AIDS epidemic, we remain concerned that many South Africans are not on Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART), especially men. Taking treatment is important for us to win the war against HIV/AIDS. We are also accelerating interventions to end AIDS in children by 2030.

We also want to thank Traditional leaders for partnering with Government in the fight against GBVF and HIV/AIDS.

During the festive season, we must be mindful of alcohol and substance abuse. While celebration brings joy, it can also lead to overindulgence and unhealthy behaviours. 

Excessive drinking can impair judgment and cause accidents, especially on the roads. Alcohol and substance abuse can cause conflicts, leading to strained relationships in families.

We urge all South Africans to remain responsible this festive season not to drink and drive. Drinking and driving endangers the lives of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.

Fellow Compatriots,

As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember the families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones during the year.

Let us also remember those who died on our roads; those who were victims of crime; and those who succumbed to various illnesses.

To those who are in hospitals, we extend our best wishes and speedy recovery.

We should remember those who are the less fortunate and share whatever we have with them so they too can feel the love and compassion as we engage in festivities.

Fellow Compatriots,

Let me extend our gratitude to the civil servants and frontline workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the year. This includes our teachers, healthcare workers, law enforcement officials, community leaders, and all those who continue to contribute to the safety and well-being of our nation. We also wish to pay tribute to thousands of matriculants who are awaiting their results. We are confident that you have done your best and will make us proud.

Let me acknowledge the individuals who have significantly impacted our nation through sports and the arts. Team South Africa represented the nation at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, France, and won six medals. The Sprignboks are now ranked number one in Man’s Rugby in the world and Bafana-Bafana have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations. We are also closing the year on a high note celebrating the historic double victory of the South African Women (SPAR Proteas) and Men’s Netball Teams.  

We congratulate all of them for hosting the SA flag high!

We have also witnessed a wave of growth in the art industry, particularly with the unique Amapiano genre. Our creative industry has inspired many global artists, and that was also evident during the recent FNB stadium event with international star Chris Brown dancing to our beat.

We also congratulate Tyla for winning a Grammy Award and applaud her contribution towards making South Africa to be recognised on this global platform. Sport, arts and culture continue to make a huge contribution to social cohesion and nation building. I urge everyone of us to continue to work together to build a truly non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous South Africa, united in our diversity.

Once again, we urge those who are driving during this period to please adhere to the rules of the roads, don’t drink and drive, no speeding, wear seatbelts and take time to rest when driving long distances. We want everyone to arrive alive at their destinations.

On behalf of the South African government, I wish you a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. 

Thank you, Siyabonga, Baie Dankie, Ha khensa Inkomu!
 

My Fellow South Africans,

On the 13th of September this year, I signed into law the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.

This Act is vital to the transformation of the education system in our country.

The Act is an important part of ongoing efforts to build an education system that is more effective and more equitable in line with the precepts of our Constitution.

The BELA Act continues the work that has been done over the last 30 years to ensure that all children have equal access to quality education – from their early years and throughout their schooling.

As a democratic country committed to building a new society, we have stated unequivocally that all children must get an education that prepares them to succeed in life, no matter what the circumstances of their birth might be, no matter where they live, no matter what language they speak.

In implementing this Act we are all ultimately guided by the Constitution.

The Bill of Rights guarantees the right of every person to equality.

It guarantees the right of every person to receive a basic education.

Importantly, the Constitution says that every person has the right to receive education in the official language or languages of their choice where reasonably practicable.

This is a right that applies equally to an English-speaker as it does a Zulu-speaker.

It applies equally to someone who speaks Afrikaans as it does to someone who speaks Xitsonga, Sesotho, Sepedi, isiXhosa, Setswana, Tshivenda, isiNdebele or siSwati.

And now, it also applies equally to someone who uses the South African Sign Language.

The Basic Education Laws Amendment Act enacts measures that strengthen the ability of our schools to give effect to these Constitutional rights.

In the application of this law, we must ensure that no language is diminished. Rather, we must work to ensure that all official languages are valued and promoted.

At the time that I assented to the BELA Bill, I noted that a number of parties to the Government of National Unity and other key role players in our country had expressed their wish to further engage each other on sections of the bill that deal with issues of admission and language.

I said that whilst I had assented to the Bill, in the spirit of cooperation and meaningful engagement, I would delay the implementation date of the BELA Act in totality by three months.

This would give the parties time to deliberate on these issues and make proposals on how the divergent views may be accommodated.

I also said should the parties not agree on an approach at the end of the three-month period, I would then direct the Minister and the Department to proceed with the implementation of the Act.

Over the last three months, discussions have been held with a view of reaching consensus on these outstanding clauses of the BELA Act.

Various formations outside of government have also made representations, both for and against the relevant sections.

Last week, I received a report from the Government of National Unity ‘clearing house’ mechanism.

This is the structure which brings together the parties to the Government of National Unity and other parties represented in Parliament to deal with contentious issues and thereafter report to the leaders of the political parties represented in the Government of National Unity.

In their final report, the parties agreed that the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act should not be sent back to Parliament to make changes to the  sections that were in contention.

The GNU clearing house  participants agreed that the Act be fully implemented.

This view was endorsed by the leaders of the parties to the GNU in a meeting I held with them today.

I accordingly advised them that I would proceed to sign a Presidential Proclamation to bring the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act into operation from today.

I have instructed the Minister of Basic Education to see to the full implementation of the BELA Act.

I have also instructed the Minister to do what is necessary, as is customary with any law, to ensure that the timeframe of implementation – particularly with regard to the preparedness of the system for universal Grade R access – and the consequential  regulations setting out the norms and standards are prepared.

All bodies and all officials responsible for the implementation of this Act are required at all times to act in accordance with the Constitution, the law and the relevant policies and regulations.

We must therefore do everything in our means to ensure that every child, without exception, has equal access to a decent, quality education.

We must therefore leave no child behind.

Let us ensure that our children get the best education so that they can take our beautiful country and our diverse nation forward to a prosperous future.

Morena boloka sechaba sa heso.
Nkosi sikelela iAfrika.
God seën Suid Afrika.

God bless South Africa.
Hosi katekisa Afrika Dzonga.
Mudzimu vha fhatutshedze Afurika Tshipembe.

I thank you.