President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to sign the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law on Friday, which aims to strengthen governance in South Africa's education sector. The bill includes several key changes, such as making Grade R compulsory, addressing issues related to school language policies, and banning corporal punishment. However, it has faced significant opposition, particularly from the Democratic Alliance (DA) and civil society groups, who argue that it infringes on constitutional rights, especially regarding mother-tongue education. DA leader John Steenhuisen has urged Ramaphosa to reconsider, warning that signing the bill could jeopardize the future of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The DA asserts that the bill undermines parental control and fails to align with the GNU's Statement of Intent. Critics also highlight the potential for the bill to centralize authority within the state, raising concerns about its implications for educational autonomy.