Ramaphosa Defends Controversial Education Bill Amidst Coalition Tensions

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the durability of his coalition government following disagreements over a controversial education bill. The bill sparked tension between the ANC and its coalition partner, the DA, focusing on language policies in schools. Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the government's unity despite the debate.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa defended his coalition government on Friday amid tensions over a controversial education bill. The bill, which has angered the African National Congress' (ANC) partner the Democratic Alliance (DA), focuses on the integration of schools that teach in Afrikaans. Addressing the media, Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the durability of the government of national unity.

The bill grants the education department the power to approve school language policies, aimed at preventing discrimination. The ANC argues that current language policies exclude students based on the language they speak, hinting at racial exclusion. The DA claims the bill violates the right to learn in one's mother tongue and vowed to challenge it in court.

Ramaphosa announced a three-month consultation period for the bill's controversial sections. If no solution is reached, the implementation will proceed. The education bill also mandates one year of pre-primary school, reinforces a ban on corporal punishment, and regulates home-schooling.

(With inputs from agencies.)