2.1 On 17 March 2011, the Minister for Basic Education tabled a notice of intervention to the Eastern Cape Education Department in terms of Section 100 (1) (b) of the Constitution (Act 108 of 1996) to the National Council of Provinces. Subsequent to that, the notice of intervention was referred to the Select Committee on Education and Recreation for consideration and reporting in accordance with Rule 101. In compliance with the Council referral, the Select Committee had a briefing meeting on 23 March 2011 with the Department of Basic Education to consider the referred notice by the National Council of Provinces. 3. Intervention to the Eastern Cape Education Department