Hon Speaker, I will be very brief in relation to three responses. Firstly, I would like to congratulate the schools in Randburg on their excellent performance. It certainly augurs well for the future. With regard to the second statement pertaining to Dr Hussain, I certainly want to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of private citizens who have really made education a societal issue and who have contributed in working in partnership with the Department of Basic Education to ensure that we provide quality education to our children. We are indeed grateful for his efforts and the efforts of many others.
With regard to the third statement from the IFP, we would certainly like to thank the hon Minister for the Public Service and Administration for her intervention and indeed confirm what she has said. I just want to add to that by saying that the biometric system has also been tested in the Western Cape and parts of Gauteng, and indeed the South African Schools Act provides for the recording of the attendance of teachers. So this is nothing unusual. It is really about how to utilise technology in a way that is optimal and can basically provide us with information in real time. Once we have an assessment, we will be able to consult with the various stakeholders.
The statement itself comes across as both frivolous and vexatious with regard to the resignation of the Minister.
I just want to share with the House that we are certainly ready and available for open discussions with the unions. It might well be that the SA Democratic Teachers Union, Sadtu, is speaking past the department in relation to matters of this nature. The area that has been reflected on - the area with regard to the withdrawal of the agreements - speaks specifically to an agreement which would have created a liability of R700 million, which in terms of the law cannot be authorised without the consent of the Minister of Basic Education and the Minister of Finance. In other words, the action itself would be ultra vires and therefore the agreement had to be withdrawn in order to negotiate it afresh in terms of processing. Therefore, I see very clearly that it is something which can be resolved around the table.
With regard to the issue of remuneration, the President has been very clear to say that he would give priority to that, and the Minister for the Public Service and Administration has correctly indicated that they are paying attention to it. But the President has also said that in return for the investment in terms of remuneration, he would expect an improvement in disposition, attitude and performance. In other words, it is a reciprocal obligation that has to be created. Thank you so much, hon Speaker. [Time expired.]