Madam Deputy Speaker, in response to the hon member from the IFP who raised his concern about bullying, all forms of violence, intimidation and harassment are prohibited. Bullying can take the form of either physical violence inflicted on the victim or emotional violence.
We certainly promote the adoption of a code of conduct in every school. To this end, given the reality that next month approximately 27 000 schools will have their elections, I think it would be timely and appropriate for us to convey a message to each one of these gatherings that bullying in any form, be it emotional or physical, will not be tolerated in our schools. We too would like to convey our condolences to the family of the victim and certainly share the sentiments of the hon member.
With regard to the statement relating to career guidance, we take note of what the hon Minister of Higher Education and Training has said. We wish to emphasise that there are instances in which career guidance is provided, such as those by the Department of Science and Technology. The department provides career guidance for young engineers and promotes mathematics and science. Also, career guidance forms part of life orientation, which is a compulsory subject.
I think what is critical for us to understand and recognise is that subject choices are made when the learner passes Grade 9. Career guidance, in fact, should take place prior to the learner going to the FET band, which are Grades 10, 11 and 12. This is because those subject choices will, in fact, determine the ultimate destiny of that particular learner. To that end, we are emphasising the importance of assisting learners in terms of subject choices at an earlier rather than at a later stage. I thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.