Thank you, Deputy Speaker. The ANC-led government is of the firm view that education is a means of promoting good citizenship, as well as preparing our people for the needs of a modern economy and democratic society.
In our election manifesto, the ANC committed itself to, amongst other things, working together with educators, learners, parents, school governing bodies and other stakeholders to make education the priority of all; introducing a sustainable early childhood education system that spans both public and private sectors, and gives children a headstart in numeracy and literacy; promoting the status of teachers, ensuring the employment of adequate numbers, and improving their remuneration and training as an important part of our drive to ensure that quality teaching becomes the norm rather that the exception.
Together with trade unions, we need to ensure that teachers are at school, in class, on time and teaching and that there is no abuse of learners and no neglect of duty. Lastly, we need to embark on the reopening of teacher training colleges, where appropriate.
The meeting with the principals on 7 August this year was attended by 1 500 school principals from throughout the country. This was a fulfilment of the promise made by the President. Thank you, Deputy Speaker. [Time expired.] [Applause.]