Chairperson, on 6 September 2007 we were addressed by the hon Minister of Finance, who painted a grim picture of education spending in South Africa in comparison to countries like India, Turkey and Chile.
It is 13 years into democracy and people are losing patience with the expectations of what we should have delivered to date. The truth is: In education we have the right Minister, with the right department, but policy may not be able to deliver.
Education has experienced major challenges, and poverty has been a cruel hijacker to our success in the sector. Our nutrition programmes and even the no-fee schools have been progressive in opening doors to educate for the less fortunate. We, however, make the plea that these programmes be extended to higher education schooling that qualifies for these services to secure a lower dropout rate of senior attendance and to service our school shortage in the long term.
In terms of the amending Bill, the MF finds value in the alteration, but a number of gaps remain that need to be clarified if the department is to progress in delivery and to inculcate these provisions adequately at school level.
With regard to the dangerous objects and illegal drugs amendments, we note that crime and violence are on the rise in our schools and that we need to ensure that provisions are devised to securely address the matter under all circumstances. The MF will support the Bill. [Applause.]