Madam Speaker, hon Ministers, hon members, the three Bills before the House today are the product of submissions by the Department of Higher Education and Training. They are the product of robust interactions with relevant stakeholders and those concerned. They are the product of rigorous engagement and negotiations amongst us, as the members of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training.
As Cope, it is our understanding that the amendments proposed today are of a technical nature, whose primary purpose is to align the existing legislation to the new education dispensation that came about as a result of the former Department of Education splitting into the Departments of Basic Education, and Higher Education and Training, respectively.
We further understand the value of such amendments to be that of a facilitative and an enabling nature, so that the department can get down to doing its work. It is after such value has been unlocked through the passing of these amendments that we will demand accountability. That will be the point at which we'll go into more in-depth discussions.
I must admit, however, Minister, that the amendments do carry within them temptations and inferences of a policy nature. This is something that I will resist to engage right now, in the light of my understanding of what today is about. Suffice it to say that we, as Cope, are looking forward to that time when you, Minister, realise a more integrated postschooling system, established through a similar process with policies.
The amendment of these Acts seems an opportune time to create space for such a process to occur. Cope therefore supports the Bills. Thank you. [Applause.]