Deputy Speaker, we share the sentiments expressed by the hon member in relation to the contribution by Atlantic Philanthropies, and we do so for the following reasons: One, that they are providing a facility for the training of educators in a rural area; two, that they recognise the importance of continual training in relation to teacher development for the benefit of our schools; and, three, that they recognise that education is a societal matter and that public- private partnerships are indeed necessary and most welcome in the context of the challenges that we face as a department.
So, we certainly would like to laud the contribution, particularly the location of the site at Lehurutshe, a rural and remote area, and by locating this site in this area, access to education is being provided not only to the learners, but to the educators themselves. Thank you very much.
Madam Deputy Speaker, could I just address you on a particular issue? The DA and other opposition parties have raised before the importance of Ministers being here for statements. We've had here, this afternoon already, a situation arising in which three parties made a statement on the same subject, and this was raised by the hon Deputy Minister.
It is incredible that an issue of such importance is not addressed by the Minister herself here this afternoon. Again, I would make an appeal to you and to the Speaker to try to ensure that when statements do occur in the House, Ministers are present to answer them, particularly when there's something as important as the Eskom matter is at the present time. Thank you. [Applause.]
Madam Deputy Speaker, if I could address you on behalf of my colleagues. The reason that so many of us are present here, this afternoon, is in response to approaches that the Leader of Government Business has addressed with Cabinet. I would think that the hon Minister that was referred to, who is not in the House at this moment, is addressing the very matter which so many parties have shown an interest in. But Cabinet colleagues are present here, and we are a collective and able to respond on the range of issues that have been addressed by hon members. [Applause.]