Chairperson, the question of the wellbeing of teachers definitely falls squarely within the provincial competencies. My assumption is that indeed provinces - because every province has a section dealing with the wellness of educators and the employees in the provinces - through their wellness programme should be able to provide the counselling services.
It is a function which is definitely a provincial competence, but if we are requested to do it as national I am sure we can look at it. But it is something for which we have no structures on behalf of provinces because the wellbeing of teachers is catered for by provinces that would have a wellness programme for staff in the national departments. So this is a provincial competency and I assume that all provinces do have that programme.
Position regarding steps to (i) ensure that FET colleges attract more students and (ii) change perceptions regarding inferior qualifications
204. Mrs F F Mushwana (ANC) asked the Minister of Higher Education and Training:
What steps will he take to (a) ensure that the further education and training (FET) colleges attract more students and (b) change the perception that they offer inferior qualifications?