Chairperson, the ANC unreservedly supports the Education budget. We have no doubt in our minds that the department is on the right track. In a very short space of time of eleven years, we managed to transform education from unequal rotten and fragmented 14 apartheid departments, to one efficient and effective education system. A system that is based on the principles of the Freedom Charter, which provides quality education to all South Africans.
We want to congratulate the Department of Education for introducing for the first time, free education in some schools. This will go a long way in relieving parents of the albatross of having to worry about their kids. They will now only have to concentrate on other matters that will enable them to grow their children to proper adulthood.
The recapitalisation of FETs could not have come at a better time. This is at the centre of development of scarce skills in our country, in accordance with Jipsa. We commend the Department of Education for properly responding to the skills shortage of our country. This will propel our country to greater heights, in terms of economic development. The ANC supports the Budget Vote. I thank you. [Applause.]
Division demanded.
The Council divided:
AYES - 43: Adams, F; Botha, D J; Dlulane, B N; Gamede, D D; Goeieman, M C; Hendrickse, N D; Hollander, P; Kolweni, Z S; Mabe, E S; Mack, N J; Madlala-Magubane, N M; Manyosi, A T; Masilo, J M; Matlanyane, H F; Matlhoahela, B L; Mazibuko, N F; Mchunu, A N T; Mkhaliphi, B J; Mkono, D G; Moatshe, P; Mokoena, M L; Moseki, A L J; Mzizi, M A; Ntuli, Z C; Ntwanambi, N D; Nyanda, F; Oliphant, M N; Qikani, A N D; Ralane, T S; Robertson, M O; Setona, T S; Shiceka, S; Sibiya, J; Sogoni, E M; Sulliman, M A; Tau, R J; Themba, M P; Tolo, B J; Van Rooyen, C J; Vilakazi, J N.
Special delegates: Moerane-Mamase, N; Phenduka, N C; Radebe, M.
NOES - 8: Chen, S S; Lamoela, H; Le Roux, J W; Robinson, D; Terblanche, J F; Thetjeng, M; Watson, A; Worth, D A.
ABSTAIN - 1: Van Heerden, F J.
Vote accordingly agreed to.
Vote No 16 - Health - put.
Declarations of vote: