South Africa's Coalition Faces Strain Over Education Bill

South Africa's Democratic Alliance warns that a new education bill threatens the unity government, marking the first serious friction with coalition partner ANC. The bill, set to be signed by President Ramaphosa, includes changes to home schooling, pre-school, and language policy. The DA argues the bill violates key coalition agreements.

South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) announced on Wednesday that a pending education bill threatens the future of the unity government, marking the first significant friction between coalition partners.

President Cyril Ramaphosa plans to sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) bill into law, which includes changes to home schooling, pre-school, and language policy. The DA expressed concerns over mother-tongue education rights, while the African National Congress (ANC) argues that the bill will prevent language-based racial exclusion.

DA leader John Steenhuisen stated that signing the bill would violate coalition agreements. An ANC spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

(With inputs from agencies.)