Siviwe Gwarube, the South African Minister of Basic Education, chose not to attend President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill due to her opposition to its current provisions. She expressed concerns over the Bill’s constitutionality, particularly regarding its changes to school admissions and language policies, which reduce the powers of school governing bodies.

Gwarube urged Ramaphosa to send the Bill back to Parliament for reconsideration under Section 79 of the Constitution, citing the need for further deliberation to avoid legal challenges. She also raised issues around the implementation of compulsory Grade R, suggesting a phased approach considering the capacity of schools and provinces to accommodate all learners. Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), criticized her decision and argued that Ramaphosa should have dismissed Gwarube for boycotting such a significant ceremony. Malema viewed her absence as undermining the authority of the president, suggesting it was grounds for dismissal.