Chair, let me first assist Cope. They must know that what happened in Limpopo was not actually the responsibility of the national department. The national department went to Limpopo because, as the ANC, we wanted to see that our learners were not being left behind. Therefore, there was a need for an intervention. They must be able to respect the interventions that take place.
The Minister of Basic Education has tabled the intervention in the department in the Eastern Cape. We believe that it's important that every door of learning should be open to all. The objective of this intervention, if Cope and the DA didn't know about this intervention, is to arrest and deal with the immediate challenges. That is what is happening.
In respect of the appointment of teachers that was referred to by the hon De Villiers, we are also talking about an allocation to implement a credible learner performance strategy. We are addressing, again, the underlying impact of the efficiency and efficacy of the department, with a particular focus on organisational performance.
I'm surprised when you talk about planning and when you talk about the 25 000 educators. Only yesterday the national executive committee, the NEC, of the DA in this very province dropped a bombshell about the closure of schools in the Western Cape. That's something that we are not going to take lightly. [Interjections.] So the DA cannot talk about more teachers while they are closing schools in areas where black people reside, knowing that they don't have any transport. [Interjections.]
We are also not going to allow talk about unsafe structures while we know that there is an intervention. This is on record, and the hon De Villiers serves on this committee. He has heard of the progress that has been made to eradicate mud schools. Let's not forget what we've inherited and that it's still there. As the ANC government, we are doing all we can to make sure that every child in this country receives an education.
As the ANC we present the 2012 Budget Vote on the foundation laid by the President of this Republic in his state of the nation address. The President did not direct new strategy priorities that the Department of Basic Education should focus on, but instead he highlighted the progress and challenges that needed more focused attention. Therefore we say the intervention is important. We support the Vote. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Division demanded.
The Council divided:
AYES - 28: Adams, F; Boroto, MG; Chaane, TE; de Beer, CJ; Dikgale, MC; Gamede, DD; Jacobs, MP; Mabe, BP; Mabija, L; Magadla, NW; Makhunyane, T; Mashile, BL; Matila, AG; Mazosiwe, S; Mncube, BV; Mnguni, BA; Mofokeng, TMH; Mokgoro, GG; Montsitsi, SD; Nesi, B; Ntwanambi, ND; Nyambi, AJ; Nzimande, LPM; Qikani, AND; Rantho, DZ; Rasmeni, RN; Sibande, MP; Tau, RJ. NOES - 16: Abrahams, BL; Bekker, JM; Bloem, DV; de Villiers, MJR; Faber, WF; Feldman, DB; Groenewald, HB; Gunda, JJ; Joseph, D; Lees, RA; Manzini, VK; Makhubela, MW; Mlenzana, Z; Sinclair, KA; Van Lingen, EC; Worth, DA.
Vote accordingly agreed to (Congress of the People, Democratic Alliance and Independent Democrats dissenting).
Vote No 16 - Health - put:
Declarations of vote: