Madam Deputy Speaker, I must say that we have noted the different questions which will be relayed to our colleagues. The one that I would like to respond to is the one which concerns the school nutrition programme. I will leave my colleague, Deputy Minister Surty, to speak about the maths and science. He is the one responsible for government's programme on maths and science. [Interjections.] No. Do you want them written?
No, hon Minister, please don't respond.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I think you are right. As far as the school nutrition programme is concerned, I would like to agree with the member that it is one of the most vital programmes that we have. If you have looked at yesterday's The Star newspaper, there was an unsolicited article which mentioned both problems and compliments around the programme. Indeed, wherever we have been able to investigate the programme, it worked very well and is helping us to sustain children at schools. In some instances, you will find that it is the only meal that children have. It helps with quite a number of activities.
We also sadly admit or note that in some instances, as the member has indicated, you find that there are unspent funds. As a department we have committed ourselves to making sure that we monitor and ensure that provinces spend funds. But what we also don't want to do is to have artificial spending. For instance, if Gauteng had fed all the kids, we don't want them to throw the rands in the air. It might be that it had overbudgeted. I don't think we should judge the success of the programme in terms of whether it has spent or not. Perhaps it could be mismanagement on the part of the department to overbudget for a programme.
What we also want to do around the programme is to make sure that it is not only a feeding scheme, but also a nutrition programme, and that through it we teach our kids healthy lifestyles and good nutrition programmes.
But again, we appreciate the questions and the comments. I have taken notes. So, Baba, the note is what I have been writing down. It is what people have been saying and which I have to relate to my colleagues. That is what I have been writing, unless you want to see it. [Applause.]