Hon Deputy Speaker, last week the IFP called on the Minister of Higher Education and Training to admit to the real reasons behind Mrs Mary Metcalfe's decision to leave her post as the Department of Higher Education and Training's Director-General.
We strongly believe that there appears to be a major cover-up of the real reasons of her departure. To make matters worse, we are now shocked to read that Minister Nzimande's special adviser, Gwebinkundla Qonde, will be the department's next acting director-general. Again, political affiliation seems to be the main reason for Qonde's promotion rather than academic qualifications and experience.
As far as the IFP is concerned, the nature of Mary Metcalfe's departure is bad news for education in South Africa. Education is the key to unlocking South Africa's potential but critical challenges remain, such as access to and the affordability of education. These are challenges which Mrs Mary Metcalfe had set out to conquer.
Therefore, we call on Minister Nzimande to come clean on what led to Mrs Mary Metcalfe's decision to depart. We call on the Minister to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the matter between them is resolved for the benefit of education and the future of the youth of South Africa. I thank you. [Applause.]