Deputy Speaker, let me thank the hon member Gina for her observation regarding the 95 bursaries that we have given to students from the Mopani district in the Giyani area, allowing them to go and study at various universities on full bursaries.
This is a practical demonstration of the commitment by this government to support rural development. This is part of the bursaries that we have set aside and dedicated to capable students from rural areas so that they will be able to continue with their studies. This is also a practical manifestation of the commitment of government to progressively introduce free education for the poor up to undergraduate level. [Interjections.]
This also shows that if young, talented South Africans are properly supported, they are able to achieve what others may think they are incapable of. For instance, more than 40 of those 95 students are going to be pursuing engineering studies at universities. [Applause.] I also want to assure the hon member that we will also be attaching mentors - professionals - who will assist these students while they are still studying.
Allow me to respond to the hon member from the ID. It is very strange that the hon member Magazi from the ANC addressed this issue, saying that we all condemned the use of public and national events for party-political purposes, or for people not to respect such events.
Angazi ukuthi lidliwa yini ilungu leli ngoba bese lishis' impela sengathi umfundisi eshumayela esontweni. [Uhleko.] Sesikushilo nje lokho siwuKhongolose, nali ilungu lishilo ukuthi asihambisani nalento, manje sewuzoqhuba ukukhankasa lapha. Angazi ukuthi yini eyenza ukuthi ushise kangaka ilanga lishona. [Uhleko.] Ngiyabonga. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[I don't know what is bothering this member, because he was irritated and in high spirits like a reverend preaching in church. [Laughter.] We have already mentioned it as the African National Congress and a member also stated that we don't agree with such, and now you are campaigning here. I don't know why you are in such high spirits when we are nearing the close of business. [Laughter.] Thank you.]