Ke a leboga Motlatsa-Sebui [Thank you, Deputy Speaker].
Intimidation, coercion and the complete disruption of schooling has been a fact of life for learners in Khutsong since December 2005. This means that, for almost two years, schooling for learners in the area has been virtually nonexistent. Despite this dire situation, Cosas continues to intimidate learners into staying away from schools. The SA Democratic Teachers' Union, Sadtu, continues to refuse to co-operate with the recovery plan.
Moreover, it must be recognised that the schooling problem in Khutsong cannot be solved by unilateral decisions by the Department of Education, or by using the police to beat the people of Khutsong into submission.
The opportunity that all South African children should have to lift themselves out of poverty through their education is being denied to the children of Khutsong because of the narrow, partisan, selfish interests of a few individuals. The DA calls on the parties involved in creating and perpetuating these disruptions to devote themselves to restoring order and commit themselves to devolving a culture of learning and teaching as the most important priority for Khutsong. Thank you.