Deputy Speaker, the Department of Basic Education must be commended for its unrelenting commitment and efforts in overseeing that the country's scourge of illiteracy and social and economic disadvantages is being eradicated and wiped from all corners of our society.
The department's broad programme to open the doors of education to allow all deserving South African children, irrespective of their race, creed, sexuality, physical condition or religion, is highly appreciated.
This agenda for nation-building and the development of our children will enable them to compete with their peers all over the world. The implementation of the first 1 000 days of early childhood development programmes will further enhance this and will resolve to expand initial education.
Currently, up to 19 261 early childhood development, ECD, centres have been registered, with a total of 884 500 children enrolled already. This is indeed a good story to tell under the ANC-led government which views education as an apex priority. I thank you. [Applause.]
