House Chairperson, I want to thank all members who participated in this debate for their valuable inputs. There are a few highlights I want to make. I cannot respond to what everybody has said because of the few minutes that I have. One thing that was said by hon Nkomo he highlighted that there is a need to restore respect for teachers, which is acceptable and we agree to that. Hon Tarabella-Machesi said that we need after school care activities. Hon Paulsen spoke about an antiblack system that he did not explain
what he really meant by that. Hon Ngcobo said that we need stable homes and sporting activities for learners after school. Hon Sukers said that taverns and shebeens that are close to schools need to be shut down, which is true. Mr Mfuleni said that we must instil a sense of right and wrong in our children.
Hon Marawu said that we must amend the Eurocentric constitution in order to allow corporal punishment.
Sepedi:
Ntante Mamabolo ke o kwele ...
English:
He said that we must add social values in school curriculum. Mr Ntshayisa said that we can turn the situation around. I agree with him and I want to emphasise that the problems we are facing are not beyond redemption. We can turn the situation around. The Deputy Minister has spoken and given a mouthful. She highlighted the fact that we need to work with moral regeneration movements in order to restore morals in our societies. Societal values have to be restored, and this is what she concluded with.
I would also want to add a few proposals as solutions. Firstly, the ACDP would like to see prayer and the teaching of scriptures restored in our schools because our children need to know what is right and wrong. Secondly, our children should be taught about the value of respect for their parents, teachers and fellow students as well as respect for property. Thirdly, we believe that corporal punishment that hon Paulsen complained about should be restored in our homes and schools even if an amendment to the Constitution would be required.
In Singapore caning as a form of discipline is allowed under the education schools regulation. Singapore has best schools in the world when it comes to mathematics, science and reading. They are committed to use everything possible to make their children be very disciplined. Whenever they use corporal punishment is complemented with counselling and follow-up guidance. Thank you all and the Lord bless you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.