Chairperson, the Bill before us deals with the amendment of a series of Basic Education-related legislation. The proposed amendments to the Basic Education laws were done to align the existing legal framework with the new education dispensation, where in 2009 the portfolio of Education was split into two interrelated departments, that is, the Basic Education and the Higher Education and Training Departments. The amendments fall into a few broad categories, all of them central to the need to create a Basic Education law that operates optimally.
Firstly, we welcome the broadening of the definition of the term "parent" from biological and adoptive parents to include legal guardians.
Secondly, it deals with the contentious issue of ensuring that there is nondiscrimination between official languages. The UDM also believes that this is a matter that requires professional intervention rather than one that should be handled by the school governing body.
Thirdly, the Bill deals with the improvement of the financial management system at school level, and the role of the principal in such a system.
Lastly, we indeed support the prohibition on political activities during school hours. There must be strictly no display of political party material on the school premises for purposes other than educational ones. The UDM supports the Bill. I thank you. [Applause.]