Chair, the NFP supports the budget. Of course, inasmuch as we have a call for quality, free, basic education, we also have to pursue the ideal of free, quality higher education and training, because we definitely need more students in higher education and training. There is no transformation or liberation without any education.
Having said that, as the NFP, we say we still need to ensure that NSFAS funding is received by our students right at the beginning of the year. Even before they register, they must have funding. That 90% - and even higher - target must be reached, as mentioned by the Auditor-General in the previous year. If a 100% target could be reached, it would be a viable exercise.
Something else the NFP says is that we still need the department to intensify marketing and visibility strategies to ensure that learners at the no-fee schools are able to access NSFAS funding.
Lastly, hon Minister, we will keep on harping on it because we feel it is pertinent and crucial, there needs to be a turnaround with some of the Setas that are not performing. We need to crack the whip and ensure that they deliver. Setas play a pivotal role in ensuring there is skills development. Some of them perform well. Others don't, and to them we say, we need to crack the whip so that there is value for money to be had in that area. Thank you.