With your permission then, Chairperson, may I proceed with the next question?
Please continue.
That is the question raised by the hon T B Beyleveldt from the DA, Western Cape, in relation to assaults that have taken place. I have a list of incidents. The Eastern Cape has not provided any information. The Free State has provided information: 821 assaults. In Gauteng there were 4 assaults, and in KwaZulu-Natal 54. For Limpopo no statistics have been provided. In Mpumalanga there were 42, and in the Northern Cape 117, given the fact that it has the smallest population. In the North West there were no reported incidents, and that is the province I come from. In the Western Cape there were 85. This is information that we have in relation to the incidents of assault.
Secondly, have any measures been taken, or are any measures in place to address these assaults? Yes, schools are guided in terms of codes of conduct for learners, and when they are guilty of criminal conduct, criminal steps are taken, as well as disciplinary steps by the governing bodies.
Then, what special measures has the Department of Basic Education developed and distributed to provinces? An example is a code of conduct for learners in all public schools. The intention of a code of conduct for learners in public schools is to guide schools. Principals then develop their own codes of conduct, specific codes of conduct. We have in addition given the schools the right of search and seizure and of testing for drugs.
In fact, what has happened is that there is an arrangement for the current year with the Ministry of Police that each province will provide a list of 1 000 schools that will be adopted by the SAPS, where they will have direct communication and links with the police station in the area. This programme has been extended from 1 000 schools to a further 9 000 schools.
We have also provided video material and guides with regard to infringements, where they occur, so that governing bodies will be guided regarding the disciplinary process that has to be initiated and the sanctions that have to be imposed.
Plans to improve morale of teachers in rural areas
39. Mr T B Beyleveldt (DA) asked the Minister of Basic Education:
Whether any plans are in place to improve the morale of teachers in rural areas; if not, why not; if so, (a) what plans in each province and (b) what are the further relevant details?