Hon Speaker, the ANC has noted as unfortunate the textbook issue that has been unfolding in Limpopo. It was our wish that every learner, by the first day of schooling, should have a textbook, a workbook and stationery. [Interjections.] [Applause.] We bought the workbooks with the idea of closing the gap where learners would have gone without support material. The initiative is working very well ... [Interjections.] ... and approximately 54 workbooks have been delivered to learners countrywide. [Interjections.]
The manner in which the department has shown its ability in the delivery of workbooks shows that it can handle the delivery of textbooks on Egemin Automation throughout the country. However, the issue of not procuring and the nondelivery of textbooks in Limpopo was unfortunate. And we noted the financial difficulties that led to this unfortunate situation. [Interjections.]