By Johnathan Paoli
The protest march against the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act scheduled for early next month is now expected to proceed to Freedom Park in Pretoria, following a successful appeal to Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie.
Initially, the management of the national heritage site denied access for the march, but after intervention from chairperson of the Solidarity Movement, Flip Buys, permission was granted.
The march, organised by the Solidarity Movement, AfriForum, and the Support Centre for Schools, aims to protest against contentious sections of the Bela legislation that alter language and admissions policies in schools.
Marchers will gather at the Voortrekker Monument on 5 November and proceed to Freedom Park to deliver a memorandum to the Presidency and the Government of National Unity.
Buys expressed his gratitude to the minister on Tuesday for his quick response.
“Political resistance to our fight against Bela is nothing new and we naturally expected challenges leading up to this march. We are pleased that the minister has responded positively to our call for peaceful protest, as is our constitutional right,” Buys said in a statement.
He said the protest route, known as “Reconciliation Road,” symbolised the unity and diversity of the groups involved.
Thousands have already registered to participate in the march, which has garnered support from a broad coalition of organisations, political parties and concerned parents advocating for the preservation of mother tongue education.
Buys emphasised the significance of the diverse support for the protest, indicating that resistance to the legislation was more widespread than authorities might believe.
“We will continue to negotiate on this important matter, but it is crucial for the government to see the broad base of support behind our cause,” he said.
The protest is expected to draw significant attention and underscores the discontent over education policies perceived as undermining local governance in schools.
INSIDE EDUCATION