The problems that are troubling the education system go beyond that. I concede and acknowledge that there is a leadership problem in the system, from provinces into the schools. The problem cannot be with specific unions because even where there are unions, in schools and provinces where there is proper management, things are working. So it's sometimes not fair to blame unions only. For me the buck stops with the managers - the school managers. Some schools, even those led by different unions, do function if the school commits itself to functioning. It is not accurate or fair to blame unions. It is also about management, leadership and a host of other activities that create problems within the sector.
We have what we call the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign, QLTC, which has been signed by all teacher unions. We meet regularly and raise problems that have been picked up with union members. But, again, they have to be drawn to everyone's attention. We have to be alerted and engage with unions. So, that federation you are talking about is a process that is being undertaken. We have a QLTC in every province. It consists of teacher trade unions, parents and learners as key stakeholders in education. We use that forum to deal with the issues and challenges that you allude to. The fact of the matter is that the problems go beyond unionism. The problem is mainly about leadership and management in our schools and even our provinces.