As always, I am not surprised by the DA, because it is a political party that really has no interest in the training and development of the overwhelming majority of our people. [Interjections.] They will find every excuse.
For instance, hon Van der Westhuizen, I was not taken to court by six Setas. It was one Seta that took me to court, and that was the Services Seta. The question you are not asking - you are only emphasising the fact that I was taken to court - is: Have you ever examined the reason why that particular Seta took me to court at that time, but then decided to change its mind later? The reason for being taken to court is the same resistance that the DA is actually defending here today. [Interjections.]
Also, it is very opportunistic to say that we have no spending plans for the National Skills Fund. [Interjections.] The portfolio committee was briefed on this, and they are acutely aware ... Mr Van der Westhuizen is so nice in the committee, but when we are in the House, he comes and grandstands here, as if he has actually not been briefed. [Interjections.]
I hope, Mr Van der Westhuizen, in your investigation of what is going on in the Setas, you are also possibly not working too closely with service providers in a manner that could actually be clouding your own judgement about what we are trying to do.
There is nothing unfair in this legislation. We need it so that we can align the Setas with the rest of the postschool education and training system. Thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Bill read a second time (Democratic Alliance and Independent Democrats dissenting).