Madam Chairperson, I have a response from my colleague on the matter that was raised regarding the University of Zululand. Minister Nzimande said that I should indicate that the department, through the officials, is engaging with the stakeholders on the matter at the University of Zululand. I would like to tell this House that, indeed, he has condemned in the strongest terms the destruction of property by learners. He has made a call that the university should be calm and return to normality. That is what he wanted me to communicate.
There was also a matter which came from the IFP member about the role of unions in education. I do want to agree with him. It is very disappointing that some elements in teacher unions have the tendency to hold the department hostage. I have raised these concerns with MECs and have instructed them to take appropriate action, especially in instances of ill discipline.
I agree with Mr Mpontshane that the posturing by different individuals from different unions is completely unacceptable and should not be allowed. I have been involved in consultations with different stakeholders, especially the affected teacher unions. We hope that we will be able to get a remedy, because I fully agree with his sentiments.
But on the point where he spoke about consultations with stakeholders being unnecessary, I fully disagree with him. Consultation with stakeholders, especially teachers, is crucial. Teachers are at the coalface of delivery and it is important for us to ensure that they understand the policy and that they should be able to guide us. Again, I agree with him that it does not give them a licence to want to hold the department hostage or threaten us when there are no disagreements. [Applause.]