Madam Speaker, speaking at the preliminary election meeting in Umlazi on Sunday 15 February 2009, the ACDP deputy president and MP Jo-Ann Downs explained how the massive shortfalls in education funding and management had caused the system to deteriorate and prevented the quality of education delivered to black pupils from equalling the standards of education received by other population groups.
Downs compared the present situation to that of the former Bantu education system. Noting that South Africa now has one of the worst systems in the world, according to the HSRC, Mrs Downs explained that this was another example of how corruption in the upper echelons of government has jeopardised the advancement of poor people and that the kickbacks involved in the arms deal alone could have funded 30 well-equipped, modern schools.
Following on from the ACDP's successful manifesto launched in Soweto on Saturday, Mrs Downs explained that the ACDP would work towards establishing a high standard of education that was free right up to tertiary level for pupils who are willing to work hard. She assured her audience that there was no shortage of intelligent students in the country; the problem occurs when they are taught by ill-disciplined teachers in a system designed to politicise rather than educate them.
We must harness the enormous talent available amongst South Africa's youth. As they excel, they will inspire youth throughout Africa to realise the prosperity awaiting this generation if they rise to the challenge. Thank you.