The Committee acknowledged the improvements of the majority of Districts in the last examinations. There had also been an increase in the number of Bachelors in 2012. The Committee was concerned over the perceived negative relations between the Department and organised labour. The Committee appreciated the initiative and schemes to increase the Mathematics and Science results going forward. The Committee did not receive much information on the ASIDI programme and progress. It was important that the IQMS tools were used to identify gaps where there was underperformance. It was important for the Department to look at its retention strategies to attract and keep teachers in the rural areas.