Chairperson, norms have been set out in terms of the allocation to schools per learner. The allocation has increased. At one stage it was, indeed, less than R500. It increased to R600, R642, and currently, it's more that R800. We are of the view that the minimum threshold for an adequate provision in relation to a learner should be an amount exceeding R800. We would recommend, in terms of our guidelines and norms and standards, that provinces make the appropriate allocations.
However, you are correct. In the past, there were inconsistencies with regard to the allocation of resources to schools. In fact, in provinces such as Limpopo, the amount was much less than R400. This was not because they wanted to deprive the school or the learner, but because of the high poverty levels. Learners that made up quintiles 1, 2, 3 and 4 were far greater in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape than you would find in the Western Cape or in KwaZulu-Natal.
However, what Treasury did was to deal with the matter equitably. The weighting must be such that Limpopo is able to provide for learners on an equitable basis, in other words, on par as would occur in the Western Cape, which is more urbanised and where there is greater affluence, or in Gauteng. This has resulted in a better distribution.
However, there might be some inconsistencies. If you are aware of any, kindly bring it to our attention so that we can raise it with the leadership in the province. Thank you.