Mr Speaker, I would like to respond to two statements, one from the IFP member on the matter of the SA Democratic Teachers Union, Sadtu, and the other one from the Cope member in relation to provincial governments and corruption.
The IFP member indicated here that he was not in the business of advising the President on who to employ or who to fire, but in this case he felt compelled to respond to the allegations that come from Sadtu. I want to refer specifically to the first point that he mentioned: the biometric test. Hon Mpontshane, the biometric test is a test that has been piloted in the Northern Cape. It has succeeded in the Northern Cape. The Minister of Basic Education has been very impressed with the success of this test. She has indicated that she would like to see the success spread across the country. At no point did she indicate that this would happen as a decree the following day.
I have also indicated on a number of occasions that she had consulted me on this matter, and we were in discussions on this matter. The consultations entered into would have involved the unions and me before a decree was made. So, there is no basis for any of those allegations in relation to the biometric test. I would like you, please, in future, to understand this and support the Minister. It is very important that we have our teachers in class, teaching, in order to improve the level and quality of education.
The second matter is the matter of the Free State government. The member from Cope alleged that there was corruption in the government of the Free State, and he alleged that there was no indication that this government was interested in fighting corruption. The member is a member of the Portfolio Committee on the Public Service and Administration, and I would like to ask him please to ensure that he uses the space in the portfolio committee. Write to me, hon member, with these allegations. Together, you, I and the portfolio committee can actually investigate whether these allegations are founded in any reality. You have the means at your disposal; use them. Thank you. [Applause.]